arXiv subjects

Ariel Zhitnitsky

Publications and source records attributed to Ariel Zhitnitsky.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2022

The mysterious diffuse UV radiation and Axion Quark Nugget dark matter model

It has been recently argued [1-3] that there is a strong component of the diffuse far-ultraviolet (FUV) background which is hard to explain by conventional physics in terms of the dust-scattered starlight. We propose that this excess in FUV radiation might be result of the dark matter annihilation events within the so-called axion quark nugget (AQN) dark matter model, which was originally invented for completely different purpose to explain the observed similarity between the dark and the visible components in the Universe, i.e. $Ω_{\rm DM}\sim Ω_{\rm visible}$. We support this proposal by demonstrating that intensity and the spectral features of the AQN induced emissions are consistent with the corresponding characteristics of the observed excess of the FUV radiation. If the future studies confirm the puzzling characteristics observed in [1-3] it might unlock a much more deeper and fundamental problem of modern cosmology-- it may reveal the nature of the dark matter.

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arXiv2021

Multi-Modal Clustering Events observed by Horizon-10T and Axion Quark Nuggets

The Horizon-10T collaboration \cite{Beisembaev:2016cyg,2017EPJWC.14514001B,Beznosko:2019cI,2019EPJWC.20806002B,Beisembaev:2019nzd} have reported observation of Multi-Modal Events (MME) containing multiple peaks suggesting their clustering origin. These events are proven to be hard to explain in terms of conventional cosmic rays (CR). We propose that these MMEs might be result of the dark matter annihilation events within the so-called axion quark nugget (AQN) dark matter model, which was originally invented for completely different purpose to explain the observed similarity between the dark and the visible components in the Universe, i.e. $Ω_{\rm DM}\sim Ω_{\rm visible}$ without any fitting parameters. We support this proposal by demonstrating that the observations \cite{Beisembaev:2016cyg,2017EPJWC.14514001B,Beznosko:2019cI,2019EPJWC.20806002B,Beisembaev:2019nzd}, including the frequency of appearance, intensity, the spatial distribution, the time duration, the clustering features, and many other properties nicely match the emission characteristics of the AQN annihilation events in atmosphere. We list a number of features of the AQN events which are very distinct from conventional CR air showers. The observation (non-observation) of these features may substantiate (refute) our proposal.

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arXiv2021

Axion Quark Nuggets. Dark Matter and Matter-Antimatter asymmetry: theory, observations and future experiments

We review a testable, the axion quark nugget (AQN) model outside of the standard WIMP paradigm. The model was originally invented to explain the observed similarity between the dark and the visible components, $Ω_{\rm DM}\approx Ω_{\rm visible}$ in a natural way as both types of matter are formed during the same QCD transition and proportional to the same dimensional fundamental parameter of the system, $Λ_{\rm QCD}$. In this framework the baryogenesis is actually a charge segregation (rather than charge generation) process which is operational due to the $\cal{CP}$-odd axion field,while the global baryon number of the Universe remains zero. The nuggets and anti-nuggets are strongly interacting but macroscopically large objects with approximately nuclear density. We overview several specific recent applications of this framework. First, we discuss the "solar corona mystery" when the so-called nanoflares are identified with the AQN annihilation events in corona. Secondly, we review a proposal that the recently observed by the Telescope Array puzzling events is a result of the annihilation events of the AQNs under thunderstorm. Finally, we overview a broadband strategy which could lead to the discovery the AQN-induced axions representing the heart of the construction.

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arXiv2020

The Mysterious Bursts observed by Telescope Array and Axion Quark Nuggets

Telescope Array (TA) experiment has recorded \cite{Abbasi:2017rvx,Okuda_2019} several short time bursts of air shower like events. These bursts are very distinct from conventional single showers, and are found to be strongly correlated with lightnings. We propose that these bursts represent the direct manifestation of the dark matter annihilation events within the so-called axion quark nugget (AQN) model, which was originally invented for completely different purpose to explain the observed similarity between the dark and the visible components in the Universe, i.e. $Ω_{\rm DM}\sim Ω_{\rm visible}$ without any fitting parameters. We support this proposal by demonstrating that the observations \cite{Abbasi:2017rvx,Okuda_2019}, including the frequency of appearance, temporal and spatial distributions, intensity, and other related observables are nicely match the emission features of the AQNs propagating in the atmosphere under thunderstorm. We propose to test these ideas by reanalyzing the existing data by increasing the cutoff time scale $Δt=1$ ms for the bursts. We also suggest to test this proposal by analyzing the correlations with proper infrasound and seismic instruments. We also suggest to search for the radio signal with frequency $ν\in (3-300)$ MHz which must be synchronized with bursts.

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arXiv2020

A Proposed Network to Detect Axion Quark Nugget Dark Matter

A network of synchronized detectors can increase the likelihood of discovering the QCD axion, within the Axion Quark Nugget (AQN) dark matter model. A similar network can also discriminate the X-rays emitted by the AQNs from the background signal. These networks can provide information on the directionality of the dark matter flux (if any), as well as its velocity distribution, and can therefore test the Standard Halo Model. We show that the optimal configuration to detect AQN-induced axions is a triangular network of stations 100 km apart. For X-rays, the optimal network is an array of tetrahedral units.

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arXiv2020

Radio impulsive events in quiet solar corona and Axion Quark Nugget Dark Matter

The Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) recorded \cite{Mondal-2020} impulsive radio events in the quiet solar corona at frequencies 98, 120, 132, and 160 MHz. We propose that these radio events are the direct manifestation of dark matter annihilation events within the axion quark nugget (AQN) framework. It has been argued \cite{Zhitnitsky:2017rop,Raza:2018gpb} that the AQN annihilation events in the quiet solar corona can be identified with the nanoflares conjectured by Parker \cite{Parker-1983}. We further support this claim by demonstrating that observed impulsive radio events \cite{Mondal-2020}, including their rate of appearance, their temporal and spatial distributions and their energetics, are matching the generic consequences of AQN annihilations in the quiet corona. We propose to test this idea by analyzing the correlated clustering of impulsive radio events in different frequency bands. These correlations are expressed in terms of the time delays between radio events in different frequency bands, measured in seconds. We also make generic predictions for low (80 and 89 MHz) and high (179, 196, 217 and 240 MHz) frequency bands, that have been recorded, but not published, by \cite{Mondal-2020}. We finally suggest to test our proposal by studying possible cross-correlation between MWA radio signals and Solar Orbiter recording of extreme UV photons (a.k.a. "campfires").

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arXiv2020

Infrasonic, acoustic and seismic waves produced by the Axion Quark Nuggets

We advocate an idea that the Axion Quark Nuggets (AQN) hitting the Earth can be detected by analysing the infrasound, acoustic and seismic waves which always accompany the AQN's passage in the atmosphere and underground. Our estimates for the infrasonic frequency $ν\simeq 5$ ~Hz and overpressure $δp\sim 0.3 ~$Pa for relatively large size dark matter (DM) nuggets suggest that sensitivity of presently available instruments is already sufficient to detect very intense (but very rare) events today with existing technology. A study of much more frequent but less intense events requires a new type of instruments. We propose a detection strategy for a systematic study to search for such relatively weak and frequent events by using Distributed Acoustic Sensing and briefly mention other possible detection methods.

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arXiv2020

DAMA/LIBRA annual modulation and Axion Quark Nugget Dark Matter Model

The DAMA/LIBRA experiment shows $9.5 σ$ evidence for an annual modulation in the $(1-6)~ {\rm keV}$ energy range, strongly suggesting that the observed modulation has the dark matter origin. However, the conventional interpretation in terms of WIMP-nucleon interaction is excluded by other experiments. We propose an alternative source of modulation in the form of neutrons, which have been liberated from surrounding material. Our computations are based on the so-called Axion Quark Nugget (AQN) dark matter model, which was originally invented long ago to explain the similarity between the dark and visible cosmological matter densities, i.e. $ Ω_{\rm dark} \sim Ω_{\rm visible}$. In our proposal the annual modulation is shown to be generated in keV energy range which is consistent with DL observation in $(1-6)~ {\rm keV}$ range. This keV energy scale in our proposal is mostly determined by spectral properties of the neutrinos emitted by the AQN dark matter particles, while the absence of the modulation with energies above 6 keV is explained by a sharp cutoff in the neutrino's energy spectrum at $\sim 15$ MeV. This proposal can be directly tested by COSINE-100, ANAIS-112, CYGNO and other similar experiments. It can be also tested by studying the correlations between the signals from these experiments and the signatures from drastically different detectors designed for studies of the infrasonic or seismic events using such instruments as Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS).

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arXiv2020

Axion Quark Nuggets and how a Global Network can discover them

We advocate an idea that the presence of the daily and annual modulations of the axion flux on the Earth surface may dramatically change the strategy of the axion searches. Our computations are based on the so-called Axion Quark Nugget (AQN) dark matter model which was originally put forward to explain the similarity of the dark and visible cosmological matter densities $Ω_{\rm dark}\sim Ω_{\rm visible}$. In our framework, the population of galactic axions with mass $ 10^{-6} {\rm eV}\lesssim m_a\lesssim 10^{-3}{\rm eV}$ and velocity $< v_a>\sim 10^{-3} c$ will be always accompanied by the axions with typical velocities $ \sim 0.6 c$ emitted by AQNs. We formulate the broadband detection strategy to search for such relativistic axions by studying the daily and annual modulations. We describe several tests which could effectively discriminate a true signal from noise. These AQN-originated axions can be observed as correlated events which could be recorded by synchronized stations in the global network. The correlations can be effectively studied if the detectors are positioned at distances shorter than a few hundred kilometres.

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arXiv2020

Axion Quark Nugget Dark Matter: Time Modulations and Amplifications

We study the new mechanism of the axion production suggested recently in [1,2]. This mechanism is based on the so-called Axion Quark Nugget (AQN) dark matter model, which was originally invented to explain the similarity of the dark and visible cosmological matter densities. We perform numerical simulations to evaluate the axion flux on the Earth's surface. We examine annual and daily modulations, which have been studied previously and are known to occur for any type of dark matter. We also discuss a novel type of short time enhancements which are unique to the AQN model: the statistical fluctuations and burst-like amplification, both of which can drastically amplify the axion signal, up to a factor $\sim10^2-10^3$ for a very short period of time. The present work studies the AQN-induced axions within the mass window $10^{-6}{\rm\,eV}\lesssim m_a\lesssim10^{-3}\rm\,eV$ with typical velocities $\langle v_a\rangle\sim0.6c$. We also comment on the broadband detection strategy to search for such relativistic axions by studying the daily and annual time modulations as well as random burst-like amplifications.

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arXiv2019

Gravitationally trapped axions on Earth

We advocate for the idea that there is a fundamentally new mechanism for axion production on Earth, as recently suggested in Fischer et al. (2018) and Liang & Zhitnitsky (2018). We specifically focus on production of axions within Earth, with low velocities such that they will be trapped in the gravitational field. Our computations are based on the so-called Axion Quark Nugget (AQN) dark matter model, which was originally invented to explain the similarity of the dark and visible cosmological matter densities. This occurs in the model irrespective of the axion mass $m_\mathrm{a}$ or initial misalignment angle $θ_0$. Annihilation of antimatter AQNs with visible matter inevitably produce axions when AQNs hit Earth. The emission rate of axions with velocities below escape velocity is very tiny compared to the overall emission, however these axions will be accumulated over the 4.5 billion year life time of the Earth, which greatly enhances the discovery potential. We perform numerical simulations with a realistically modeled incoming AQN velocity and mass distribution, and explore how AQNs interact as they travel through the interior of the Earth. We use this to estimate the axion flux on the surface of the Earth, the velocity-spectral features of trapped axions, the typical annihilation pattern of AQN, and the density profile of the axion halo around the Earth. Knowledge of these properties is necessary to make predictions for the observability of trapped axions using CAST, ADMX, MADMAX, CULTASK, ORPHEUS, ARIADNE, CASPEr, ABRACADABRA, QUAX, DM Radio.

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arXiv2019

The Axion Quark Nugget Dark Matter Model: Size Distribution and Survival Pattern

We consider the formation and evolution of Axion Quark Nugget dark matter particles in the early universe. The goal of this work is to estimate the mass distribution of these objects and assess their ability to form and survive to the present day. We argue that this model allows a broad range of parameter space in which the AQN may account for the observed dark matter mass density, naturally explains a similarity between the "dark" and "visible" components, i.e. $Ω_{\rm dark}\sim Ω_{\rm visible}$, and also offer an explanation for a number of other long standing puzzles such as "Primordial Lithium Puzzle" and "the Solar Corona Mystery" among many other cosmological puzzles.

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arXiv2019

Fast Radio Bursts and the Axion Quark Nugget Dark Matter Model

We explore the possibility that the Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) are powered by magnetic reconnection in magnetars, triggered by Axion Quark Nugget (AQN) dark matter. In this model, the magnetic reconnection is ignited by the shock wave which develops when the nuggets' Mach number $M \gg 1$. These shock waves generate very strong and very short impulses expressed in terms of pressure $Δp/p\sim M^2$ and temperature $ΔT/T\sim M^2$ in the vicinity of (would be) magnetic reconnection area. We find that the proposed mechanism produces a coherent emission which is consistent with current data, in particular the FRB energy requirements, the observed energy distribution, the frequency range and the burst duration. Our model allows us to propose additional tests which future data will be able to challenge.

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arXiv2019

Gravitationally bound axions and how one can discover them

As recently advocated in \cite{Fischer:2018niu}, there is a fundamentally new mechanism for the axion production in the Sun and Earth. However, the role of very slow axions in previous studies were neglected because of its negligible contribution to the total axion production by this new mechanism. In the present work we specifically focus on analysis of the non-relativistic axions which will be trapped by the Sun and Earth due to the gravitational forces. The corresponding emission rate of these low energy axions (below the escape velocity) is very tiny. However, these axions will be accumulated by the Sun and Earth during their life-times, i.e. 4.5 billion of years, which greatly enhances the discovery potential. The computations are based on the so-called Axion Quark Nugget (AQN) Dark Matter Model. This model was originally invented as a natural explanation of the observed ratio $Ω_{\rm dark} \sim Ω_{\rm visible}$ when the DM and visible matter densities assume the same order of magnitude values, irrespectively to the axion mass $m_a$ or initial misalignment angle $θ_0$.This model, without adjustment of any parameters, gives a very reasonable intensity of the extreme UV (EUV) radiation from the solar corona as a result of the AQN annihilation events with the solar material. This extra energy released in corona represents a resolution, within AQN framework, a long standing puzzle known in the literature as the "solar corona heating mystery". The same annihilation events also produce the axions. The flux of these axions is unambiguously fixed in this model and expressed in terms of the EUV luminosity from solar corona. We make few comments on the potential discovery of these gravitationally bound axions.

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arXiv2018

Solar Corona Heating by the Axion Quark Nugget Dark Matter

In this work we advocate for the idea that two seemingly unrelated 80-year-old mysteries - the nature of dark matter and the high temperature of the million degree solar corona - may have resolutions that lie within the same physical framework. The current paradigm is that the corona is heated by nanoflares, which were originally proposed as miniature versions of the observed solar flares. It was recently suggested that the nanoflares could be identified as annihilation events of the nuggets from the Axion Quark Nugget (AQN) dark matter model. This model was invented as an explanation of the observed ratio $Ω_{\rm dark} \sim Ω_{\rm visible}$, based only on cosmological and particle physics considerations. In this new paradigm, the AQN particles moving through the coronal plasma and annihilating with normal matter can lead to the drastic change of temperatures seen in the Sun's Transition Region (TR), and significantly contribute to the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) excess of $10^{27}~{\rm erg~s^{-1}}$. To test this proposal, we perform numerical simulations with a realistically modeled AQN particle distribution and explore how the nuggets interact with the coronal plasma. Remarkably, our simulations predict the correct energy budget for the solar corona, and show that the energy injection mostly occurs at an altitude of around 2000 km, which is where the TR lies. Therefore, we propose that these long unresolved mysteries could be two sides of the same coin. We make several predictions based on this proposal, some of which could be tested by the recently launched NASA mission, the Parker Solar Probe.

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arXiv2018

Solar Flares and the Axion Quark Nugget Dark Matter Model

We advocate the idea that the nanoflares conjectured by Parker long ago to resolve the corona heating problem, may also trigger the larger solar flares. The arguments are based on the model where emission of extreme ultra violet (EUV) radiation and soft x-rays from the Sun are powered externally by incident dark matter particles within the Axion Quark Nugget (AQN) Dark Matter Model. The corresponding annihilation events of the AQNs with the solar material are identified with nanoflares. This model was originally invented as a natural explanation of the observed ratio $Ω_{\rm dark} \sim Ω_{\rm visible}$ when the DM and visible matter densities assume the same order of magnitude values. This model gives a very reasonable intensity of EUV radiation without adjustments of any parameters in the model. When the same nuggets enter the regions with high magnetic field they serve as the triggers igniting the magnetic reconnections which eventually may lead to much larger flares. Technically, the magnetic reconnection is ignited due to the shock wave which inevitably develops when the dark matter nuggets enter the solar atmosphere with velocity $v_{\rm AQN}\sim ~600~ {\rm km/s}$ which is much higher than the speed of sound $c_s$, such that the Mach number $M=v_{\rm AQN}/c_s\gg 1$. These shock waves generate very strong and very short impulses expressed in terms of pressure $Δp/p\sim M^2$ and temperature $ΔT/T\sim M^2$ in vicinity of (would be) magnetic reconnection area. The mechanism is consistent with the observed scaling of the flare distribution $dN\sim W^{-α}dW$ as a function of the flare's energy $W$. We also speculate that the same nuggets may trigger the sunquakes which are known to be correlated with large flares.

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arXiv2018

Cosmological Axion and Quark Nugget Dark Matter Model

We study a dark matter (DM) model offering a very natural explanation of two (naively unrelated) problems in cosmology: the observed relation $Ω_{\rm DM}\simΩ_{\rm visible}$ and the observed asymmetry between matter and antimatter in the Universe, known as the "baryogenesis" problem. In this framework, both types of matter (dark and visible) have the same QCD origin, form at the same QCD epoch, and both proportional to one and the same dimensional parameter of the system, $Λ_{\rm QCD}$, which explains how these two, naively distinct, problems could be intimately related, and could be solved simultaneously within the same framework. More specifically, the DM in this model is composed by two different ingredients: the (well- studied) DM axions and (less-studied) the quark nuggets made of matter or antimatter. The focus of the present work is the quantitative analysis of the relation between these two distinct components contributing to the dark sector of the theory determined by $Ω_{\rm DM}\equiv [Ω_{\rm DM}(\rm nuggets)+ Ω_{\rm DM}(\rm axion)]$. We argue that the nugget's DM component always traces the visible matter density, i.e. $Ω_{\rm DM}(\rm nuggets)\simΩ_{\rm visible}$ and this feature is not sensitive to the parameters of the system such as the axion mass $m_a$ or the misalignment angle $θ_0$. It should be contrasted with conventional axion production mechanism due to the misalignment when $Ω_{\rm DM}(\rm axion)$ is highly sensitive to the axion mass $m_a$ and the initial misalignment angle $θ_0$. We also discuss the constraints on this model related to the inflationary scale $H_I$, non-observation of the isocurvature perturbations, $r_T < 0.12$, and also, varies axions search experiments.

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arXiv2017

Solar Extreme UV radiation and quark nugget dark matter model

We advocate the idea that the surprising emission of extreme ultra violet (EUV) radiation and soft x-rays from the Sun are powered externally by incident dark matter (DM) particles. The energy and the spectral shape of this otherwise unexpected solar irradiation is estimated within the quark nugget dark matter model. This model was originally invented as a natural explanation of the observed ratio $Ω_{\rm dark} \sim Ω_{\rm visible}$ when the DM and visible matter densities assume the same order of magnitude values. This generic consequence of the model is a result of the common origin of both types of matter which are formed during the same QCD transition and both proportional to the same fundamental dimensional parameter $Λ_{\rm QCD}$. We also present arguments suggesting that the transient brightening-like "nano-flares" in the Sun may be related to the annihilation events which inevitably occur in the solar atmosphere within this dark matter scenario.

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