Electron-seeded ALP production and ALP decay in an oscillating electromagnetic field

TL;DR

This paper derives the rates of axion-like-particle (ALP) production and decay in a circularly polarized electromagnetic field, providing theoretical insights relevant for laser-based ALP detection experiments.

Contribution

It presents a detailed derivation of ALP production and decay rates in a monochromatic electromagnetic background, extending previous models to include massive scalars and pseudoscalars.

Findings

Derived total production rate of ALPs in electromagnetic fields.

Calculated ALP decay rate into electron-positron pairs.

Estimated ALP yield in laser-particle experimental setups.

Abstract

Certain models involving ALPs (axion-like-particles) allow for the coupling of scalars and pseudoscalars to fermions. A derivation of the total rate for production of massive scalars and pseudoscalars by an electron in a monochromatic, circularly-polarised electromagnetic background is presented. In addition, a derivation and the total rate for the decay of massive scalars and pseudoscalars into electron-positron pairs in the same electromagnetic background is given. We conclude by approximating the total yield of ALP production for a typical laser-particle experimental scenario.