Axions in Type IIA Superstring Theory and Dark Matter

TL;DR

This paper explores how axions arising from type IIA superstring theory with D-branes could serve as dark matter candidates, linking string compactifications, symmetry extensions, and particle physics phenomenology.

Contribution

It introduces a novel model of open string axions within type IIA superstring theory, connecting string compactifications with dark matter and electroweak symmetry breaking.

Findings

Allowed axion window constrained by string theory and fermion masses

Axion vacuum expectation value linked to stringy physics effects

Potential axionic dark matter candidate identified

Abstract

Motivated by the M-theory compactification physics, we study a type IIA superstring quiver model with an open string axion field associated with the U(1)_{PQ} Peccei-Quinn global symmetry using D6-brane physics. This realization extends the symmetry of the SM-Like and contributes to the mediation of the electroweak symmetry breaking. The associated axion energy scales are approached in terms of D2 and D6-branes in type IIA compactifications on Calabi-Yau threeforlds. Using the fermion mass scales as well as string theory results, the allowed axion window is discussed in terms of intersecting D6-branes wrapping 3-cycles belonging to the middle cohomology of the type IIA internal space. The non-perturbative effect of the open string axion sector is dealt with using a D2-brane wrapping a 3-cycle producing (1+3)-dimensional stringy instantons. According to the known data, the vacuum expectation value of the axion and the mass scale of the involved scalar provide a probe of the stringy physics effect in the SM and a possible axionic dark matter candidate.