Foamy Dark Matter from Monodromies

Abstract

We investigate the dynamics of axion-like particle (ALP) dark matter where the field range is enlarged by a monodromy. The monodromy potential allows sufficient production of dark matter also at larger couplings to the Standard Model particles. The potential typically features a number of "wiggles" that lead to a rapid growth of fluctuations. Using classical-statistical field theory simulations we go beyond the linear regime and treat the system in the non-linear and even non-perturbative regime. For sufficiently strong wiggles the initially homogeneous field is completely converted into fluctuations. The fluctuations correspond to dark matter particles with a non-vanishing velocity and we consider the corresponding restrictions from structure formation as well as the effects on today's dark matter density. Since all the dark matter is made up from these strong fluctuations, the dark matter density features large, $\mathcal{O}(1)$ fluctuations at scales $\lesssim 10^{6}\,{\rm km}\sqrt{{\rm eV}/m_a}$.