Post date: Jul 3, 2014 4:58:28 PM
Title: Axions and Cosmology
I discuss the results of two (relatively) recent papers:
http://arxiv.org/abs/arXiv:1405.1860
http://arxiv.org/abs/arXiv:1405.1725
which consider axion/axion-like particles, and some of their possible cosmological effects. The first paper assumes that axions saturate the DM content of the universe and pinpoints the required model parameters using Planck and BICEP2 data (based on a minimal model, and a number of simple extensions). The second paper considers a different effect that can account for a spectral distortion of the CMB, and exemplifies how a careful study of the CMB properties could be sensitive to the presence of these ultra-light particles.
Discussion Leader: Eduardo Pontón