Constraining Axion Fields in the Late Universe
Add to your list(s)
Download to your calendar using vCal
If you have a question about this talk, please contact Camille Bonvin.
Scalar fields are ubiquitous in fundamental theories of the early universe. Axions, for example, are theoretically well-motivated, providing an elegant solution to the strong CP problem, while a plethora of other axion-like fields arise naturally in theories with extra dimensions. Such fields have couplings to the electromagnetic sector, offering an exciting opportunity to constrain high-energy physics using astrophysical photons in the late universe. I will discuss how distance determinations in cosmology (coming from supernova observations, measurements of cosmic expansion, and baryon acoustic oscillations) can be used to place strong constraints on axion-like particles through distance duality tests. Similar techniques apply to any scalar field coupling to photons, including dark energy. I will point out additional effects of scalar-photon couplings on the CMB temperature evolution, that could be used to break degeneracies in dark energy parameter estimations.
This talk is part of the Cosmology Lunch series.
This talk is included in these lists:
Note that ex-directory lists are not shown.
|