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arXiv · 2011.05378

Transient Radio Signatures from Neutron Star Encounters with QCD Axion Miniclusters

Thomas D. P. Edwards·Bradley J. Kavanagh·Luca Visinelli·Christoph Weniger
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Abstract

The QCD axion is expected to form dense structures known as axion miniclusters if the Peccei-Quinn symmetry is broken after inflation. Miniclusters that have survived until today will interact with neutron stars (NSs) in the Milky Way to produce transient radio signals from axion-photon conversion in the NS magnetosphere. We quantify the properties of these encounters and find that they occur frequently ($\mathcal{O}(1-100)\,\mathrm{day}^{-1}$); last between a day and a few months; are spatially clustered towards the Galactic center; and can reach observable fluxes. These radio transients are within reach of current generation telescopes and therefore offer a promising pathway to discovering QCD axion dark matter.

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Thomas D. P. Edwards, Bradley J. Kavanagh, Luca Visinelli, Christoph Weniger. 2021-10-22. Transient Radio Signatures from Neutron Star Encounters with QCD Axion Miniclusters. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.127.131103

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