The strong CP-problem and axion dark matter searches

by Dr Yannis Semertzidis (Physics)

Monday 27 Nov 2017, 15:00 → 16:00 US/Eastern

Small seminar room

The strong CP-problem, i.e. why is the neutron EDM experimental limit is at least ten orders of magnitude lower than expected from the theory of QCD is one of the mysteries in physics today. Peccei and Quinn came up with a solution to the strong CP-problem at the expense of requiring an extra pseudo-scalar particle, the axion. It turns out, the axion at a certain mass range is also an ideal dark matter candidate and it can be detected via its conversion to microwave photons in the presence of a strong magnetic field. IBS/CAPP in South Korea, the center for axion and precision physics research of the institute for basic science, was established to elucidate the strong CP-problem and in particular the axion dark matter mystery. I’m going to give an overview of the history of axion dark matter searches, the present status and the plans for answering whether or not axions are a significant part of the dark matter in our galaxy.