Related papers: A Fundamental QCD Axion Model
We investigate the topological properties of $N_f = 2+1$ QCD with physical quark masses, both at zero and finite temperature. We adopt stout improved staggered fermions and explore a range of lattice spacings $a \sim 0.05 - 0.12$ fm. At…
At infinite N, continuum Euclidean SU(N) gauge theory defined on a symmetrical four torus has a rich phase structure with phases where the finite volume system behaves as if it had infinite extent in some or all of the directions. In…
We calculate the $\theta$ dependence in a cousin of QCD, where the vacuum structure can be analyzed exactly. The theory is $\mathcal{N}=2$ $SU(2)$ gauge theory with $N_F=0,1,2,3$ flavors of fundamentals, explicitly broken to $\mathcal{N}=1$…
We study lattice QCD in the limit of infinite gauge coupling on a discrete spatial yet continuous Euclidean time lattice at finite baryon chemical potential $\mu_B$. The continuous time framework is based on sending $N_\tau\rightarrow…
We examine six-dimensional $SU(n)$ gauge theories compactified on a two-dimensional torus with a constant magnetic flux background to obtain a comprehensive low-energy mass spectrum. We introduce general background configurations including…
The problem of gauge invariance in an ultraviolet complete quantum field theory (QFT) with nonlocal interactions is investigated. For local fields that couple through a nonlocal interaction, it is demonstrated that the quantum…
We present a new mechanism to solve the strong CP problem using $N\geq2$ axions, each dynamically relaxing part of the $\bar\theta$ parameter. At high energies $M\gg\Lambda_{QCD}$ the $SU(3)_{c}$ group becomes the diagonal subgroup of an…
A study of two-dimensional QCD on a spatial circle with Majorana fermions in the adjoint representation of the gauge groups SU(2) and SU(3) has been performed. The main emphasis is put on the symmetry properties related to the homotopically…
The axial anomaly in the divergence of the singlet axial current in QCD $+$ QED leads to low-energy theorems for the matrix element of this operator equation over vacuum and two--photon states and for the matrix element over vacuum and…
The model independent axion of string theory has a decay constant of order of the Planck scale. We explore the properties of this quintessence candidate (quintaxion) in the scheme of hidden sector supergravity breakdown. In models allowing…
The QCD axion stands as one of the most promising candidates for resolving the strong CP problem. However, the value of the axion's decay constant $f_a$ and, by extension, its mass $m_a$, remain uncertain within the framework of effective…
We study soliton solutions in supersymmetric scalar field theory with a class of potentials. We study both bosonic and fermionic zero-modes around the soliton solution. We study two possible couplings of gauge fields to these models. While…
We investigate the deconfining phase transition in SU(3) pure gauge theory and in full QCD with two flavors of staggered fermions. The phase transition is detected by measuring the free energy in presence of an abelian monopole background…
An impact of the finite size effects on the vacuum free energy density of full QCD with $N_{\rm f}$ massless flavors in the presence of homogeneous (anti-)self-dual Abelian background gluon field is studied. The zero temperature free energy…
We propose a framework in which the QCD axion has an exponentially large coupling to photons, relying on the "clockwork" mechanism. We discuss the impact of present and future axion experiments on the parameter space of the model. In…
We propose a model for the QCD axion which is realized through a coupling of the Peccei-Quinn scalar field to magnetically charged fermions at high energies. We show that the axion of this model solves the strong CP problem and then…
Axions as dark matter is an increasingly important subject in astrophysics and cosmology. Experimental and observational searches are mounting across the mass spectrum of axion-like particles, many of which require detailed knowledge of…
We study the low energy phase structure of SU(2) gauge theories in three-dimensional spacetime, at finite baryon density. The pseudoreality of representations of SU(2) permits an analytic study of a real baryon chemical potential, and the…
Ultralight scalar dark matter may couple to the Standard Model through dimension-five operators that contain the field-strength tensors of the gauge interactions. Recent progress in nuclear clocks is projected to increase the sensitivity to…
Composite axion scenarios offer a robust field theoretic justification for the existence of a Peccei-Quinn symmetry of high quality. We present a new class of realizations that are naturally embedded in Grand-Unified Theories, retain…