Project description
Investigating the possibility of multiple axions in nature
Axions are theoretical particles that could help solve two big mysteries in physics: the nature of dark matter and why there is no CP violation in the strong force. While most studies assume there is only one axion, some theories suggest the existence of multiple axions. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the AxionCount project will develop new theoretical and experimental tools to explore this possibility. It will study how multiple axions interact, build models predicting their existence, and analyse how experiments like CAST and IAXO at CERN could detect them. Furthermore, it will investigate how multiple axions evolved in the early universe and their role in dark matter.
Objective
AxionCount aims to explore the theoretical and phenomenological implications of the existence of multiple axions in nature. Axions are hypothetical particles that could resolve two major enigmas in fundamental physics: the origin of dark matter and the absence of CP violation in the strong sector. Given their potential significance, extensive theoretical efforts and strong experimental programs have been launched to investigate their existence. However, several well-motivated theories suggest that the axion may not exist in isolation but alongside other scalar companions. Despite this, much current research focuses on the single axion paradigm. AxionCount's primary goal is to explore how the axion experimental program could address the questions: How many axions exist? How would the presence of multiple species alter the axion quest?
The project will develop new tools to study the implications of multiple axions. On the theoretical side, AxionCount will investigate axion oscillations, construct the Effective Field Theory for multiple axions, and explore models that predict the existence of several axions. On the phenomenological side, the project will assess how experimental constraints are modified by the presence of multiple axions. Special emphasis will be placed on how experiments such as CAST and IAXO at CERN, the host institution, can distinguish a multiple axion signal from that of a single axion. Finally, from a cosmological perspective, AxionCount will analyze the evolution of multiple axions in the early universe and calculate the axionic dark matter abundance.
Overall, AxionCount aims to rethink the parameter space of multiple axions, expanding experimental opportunities and fostering synergies not only between theory and experiment, but also among different experimental efforts, as their findings may be interconnected within the multiple axion framework.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy physical cosmology
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1211 GENEVE 23
Switzerland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.