Natural PQ symmetry in the 3-3-1 model with a minimal scalar sector

In the framework of a 3-3-1 model with a minimal scalar sector we make a detailed study concerning the implementation of the PQ symmetry in order to solve the strong CP problem. For the original version of the model, with only two scalar triplets, we show that the entire Lagrangian is invariant under a PQ-like symmetry but no axion is produced since an U(1) subgroup remains unbroken. Although in this case the strong CP problem can still be solved, the solution is largely disfavored since three quark states are left massless to all orders in perturbation theory. The addition of a third scalar triplet removes the massless quark states but the resulting axion is visible. In order to become realistic the model must be extended to account for massive quarks and invisible axion. We show that the addition of a scalar singlet together with a Z_N discrete gauge symmetry can successfully accomplish these tasks and protect the axion field against quantum gravitational effects. To make sure that the protecting discrete gauge symmetry is anomaly free we use a discrete version of the Green-Schwarz mechanism.Comment: 18 pages, 1 figure, 3 table

Search for Cosmic Axions using an Optical Interferometer

A high finesse optical cavity can be used to search for cosmic axions in the mass range 10^{-6}< m_a <10^{-4} eV. Either a two-arm or a single-arm cavity is suitable and in either case the signal as resonant sidebands imposed on the carrier. Assuming for the local axion density the usual figure of 500 MeV/cm^3 [8], the KSVZ axion line [4] g/m_a = 0.4 Gev^{-2}, can be reached over the full mass range in a one year search.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figur

Inflating with the QCD Axion

We show that the QCD axion can drive inflation via a series of tunneling events. For axion models with a softly broken $Z_N$ symmetry, the axion potential has a series of $N$ local minima and may be modeled by a tilted cosine. Chain inflation results along this tilted cosine: the field tunnels from an initial minimum near the top of the potential through a series of ever lower minima to the bottom. This results in sufficient inflation and reheating. QCD axions, potentially detectable in current searches, may thus simultaneously solve problems in particle physics and provide inflation.Comment: 5 pages, 1 figure, revised for submission to PR

QCD Sum Rule Calculation of Twist-3 Contributions to Polarized Nucleon Structure Functions

Using the framework of QCD sum rules we predict the twist-3 contribution to the second moment of the polarized nucleon structure function $g_2(x)$. As the relevant local operator depends explicitely on the gluon field, we employ a recently studied interpolating nucleon current which contains three quark field and one gluon field operator. Despite the fact that our calculation is based on the analysis of a completely different correlation function, our estimates are consitent with those of Balitsky, Braun and Kolesnichenko who used a three-quark current.Comment: 16pp. , 2 figures (uuencoded eps-files), LateX. Some misprints corrected, results unchange

Constraints on the axion-electron coupling for solar axions produced by Compton process and bremsstrahlung

The search for solar axions produced by Compton ($\gamma+e^-\rightarrow e^-+A$) and bremsstrahlung-like ($e^-+Z \rightarrow Z+e^-+A$) processes has been performed. The axion flux in the both cases depends on the axion-electron coupling constant. The resonant excitation of low-lying nuclear level of $^{169}\rm{Tm}$ was looked for: $A+^{169}$Tm $\rightarrow ^{169}$Tm$^*$ $\rightarrow ^{169}$Tm $+ \gamma$ (8.41 keV). The Si(Li) detector and $^{169}$Tm target installed inside the low-background setup were used to detect 8.41 keV $\gamma$-rays. As a result, a new model independent restriction on the axion-electron and the axion-nucleon couplings was obtained: $g_{Ae}\times|g^0_{AN}+ g^3_{AN}|\leq 2.1\times10^{-14}$. In model of hadronic axion this restriction corresponds to the upper limit on the axion-electron coupling and on the axion mass $g_{Ae}\times m_A\leq3.1\times10^{-7}$ eV (90% c.l.). The limits on axion mass are $m_A\leq$ 105 eV and $m_A\leq$ 1.3 keV for DFSZ- and KSVZ-axion models, correspondingly (90% c.l.).Comment: 7 pages, 4 figure

Neutrino masses and the scalar sector of a B-L extension of the standard model

We consider an electroweak model based on the gauge symmetry SU(2)_L X U(1)_Y' X U(1)_B-L which has right-handed neutrinos with different exotic B-L quantum numbers. Because of this particular feature we are able to write Yukawa terms, and right-handed neutrino mass terms, with scalar fields that can develop vacuum expectation values belonging to different energy scales. We make a detailed study of the scalar and the Yukawa neutrino sectors to show that this model is compatible with the observed solar and atmospheric neutrino mass scales and the tribimaximal mixing matrix.We also show that there are dark matter candidates if a Z_2 symmetry is included.Comment: 23 pages, 2 tables, version to be published in Phys. Rev.

Detailed design of a resonantly-enhanced axion-photon regeneration experiment

A resonantly-enhanced photon-regeneration experiment to search for the axion or axion-like particles is described. This experiment is a shining light through walls study, where photons travelling through a strong magnetic field are (in part) converted to axions; the axions can pass through an opaque wall and convert (in part) back to photons in a second region of strong magnetic field. The photon regeneration is enhanced by employing matched Fabry-Perot optical cavities, with one cavity within the axion generation magnet and the second within the photon regeneration magnet. Compared to simple single-pass photon regeneration, this technique would result in a gain of (F/pi)^2, where F is the finesse of each cavity. This gain could feasibly be as high as 10^(10), corresponding to an improvement in the sensitivity to the axion-photon coupling, g_(agg), of order (F/pi)^(1/2) ~ 300. This improvement would enable, for the first time, a purely laboratory experiment to probe axion-photon couplings at a level competitive with, or superior to, limits from stellar evolution or solar axion searches. This report gives a detailed discussion of the scheme for actively controlling the two Fabry-Perot cavities and the laser frequencies, and describes the heterodyne signal detection system, with limits ultimately imposed by shot noise.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figure

Phase transition in a supersymmetric axion model

In a supersymmetric axion model where the scale for both supersymmetry breaking and Peccei-Quinn symmetry breaking is around $10^{11}$ GeV, we find that there is a reasonable parameter space for a strongly first order phase transition at the scale.Comment: 5 pages, 1 figur

Electromagnetic detection of axions

Photon-to-axion conversions in the static electromagnetic fields are reconsidered in detail by using the Feynman diagram techniques. The differential cross sections are presented for the conversions in the presence of the electric field of the flat condenser as well as in the magnetic field of the solenoid. Based on our results a laboratory experiment for the production and the detection of the axions is described. This experiment will exploit the axion decay constant as well as the axion mass.Comment: 7 pages, latex, no figures, to appear in Phys. Lett.

Light Sterile Neutrinos in the Supersymmetric U(1)' Models and Axion Models

We propose the minimal supersymmetric sterile neutrino model (MSSNM) where the sterile neutrino masses are about 1 eV, while the active neutrino masses and the mixings among the active and sterile neutrinos are generated during late time phase transition. All the current experimental neutrino data include the LSND can be explained simultaneously, and the constraints on the sterile neutrinos from the big bang nucleosynthesis and large scale structure can be evaded. To realize the MSSNM naturally, we consider the supersymmetric intermediate-scale U(1)' model, the low energy U(1)' model with a secluded U(1)'-breaking sector, and the DFSZ and KSVZ axion models. In these models, the $\mu$ problem can be solved elegantly, and the 1 eV sterile neutrino masses can be generated via high-dimensional operators. For the low energy U(1)' model with a secluded U(1)'-breaking sector, we also present a scenario in which the masses and mixings for the active and sterile neutrinos are all generated during late time phase transition.Comment: RevTex4, 19 pages, References adde