Searching for Axion-Like Particles with X-ray Polarimeters

TL;DR

This paper explores how future X-ray polarimetry missions can detect or constrain axion-like particles by observing their effects on X-ray flux and polarization in magnetic fields, potentially surpassing current bounds.

Contribution

It introduces new techniques and projections for using X-ray polarimetry to search for ALPs, highlighting the potential for next-generation telescopes to set leading bounds.

Findings

Upcoming X-ray polarimeters can significantly improve ALP bounds.

Energy-dependent modulations in spectra can indicate ALP presence.

Projected bounds may surpass current experimental limits.

Abstract

X-ray telescopes are an exceptional tool for searching for new fundamental physics. In particular, X-ray observations have already placed world-leading bounds on the interaction between photons and axion-like particles (ALPs). ALPs are hypothetical new ultra-light particles motivated by string theory models. They can also act as dark matter and dark energy, and provide a solution to the strong CP problem. In a background magnetic field, ALPs and photons may interconvert. This leads to energy dependent modulations in both the flux and polarisation of the spectra of point sources shining through large magnetic fields. The next generation of polarising X-ray telescopes will offer new detection possibilities for ALPs. Here we present techniques and projected bounds for searching for ALPs with X-ray polarimetry. We demonstrate that upcoming X-ray polarimetry missions have the potential to place world-leading bounds on ALPs.