Axion Quark Nuggets. Dark Matter and Matter-Antimatter asymmetry: theory, observations and future experiments

TL;DR

This paper reviews the axion quark nugget (AQN) model as a testable alternative to WIMP dark matter, explaining matter-antimatter asymmetry, and discusses recent observational applications and future experimental strategies.

Contribution

It introduces the AQN model as a natural explanation for dark matter and matter-antimatter asymmetry, with novel applications to astrophysical phenomena and experimental detection.

Findings

AQN model explains dark matter and baryogenesis simultaneously.

AQN annihilation events may account for solar corona nanoflares.

Proposes AQN-related axions as a target for future detection experiments.

Abstract

We review a testable, the axion quark nugget (AQN) model outside of the standard WIMP paradigm. The model was originally invented to explain the observed similarity between the dark and the visible components, $\Omega_{\rm DM}\approx \Omega_{\rm visible}$ in a natural way as both types of matter are formed during the same QCD transition and proportional to the same dimensional fundamental parameter of the system, $\Lambda_{\rm QCD}$. In this framework the baryogenesis is actually a charge segregation (rather than charge generation) process which is operational due to the $\cal{CP}$-odd axion field,while the global baryon number of the Universe remains zero. The nuggets and anti-nuggets are strongly interacting but macroscopically large objects with approximately nuclear density. We overview several specific recent applications of this framework. First, we discuss the "solar corona mystery" when the so-called nanoflares are identified with the AQN annihilation events in corona. Secondly, we review a proposal that the recently observed by the Telescope Array puzzling events is a result of the annihilation events of the AQNs under thunderstorm. Finally, we overview a broadband strategy which could lead to the discovery the AQN-induced axions representing the heart of the construction.