Dilute axion stars converting to photons in the Milky Way's magnetic field

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential for dilute axion stars in the Milky Way to convert into detectable photons via resonance with plasma, suggesting possible observation with space-based radio telescopes for certain decay constants.

Contribution

It introduces the idea that axion stars can produce observable radio signals through plasma resonance, providing flux estimates and decay times relevant for detection.

Findings

Photon signals are detectable for decay constants below 5×10^{11} GeV.

Resonance with plasma can produce signals above solar system radio noise.

Decay timescales are at least a few hours, justifying neglecting back-reaction effects.

Abstract

In this paper we examine the possibility of dilute axion stars converting to photons in the weak, large-scale magnetic field of the Milky Way and show that they can resonate with the surrounding plasma and produce a sizable signal. We consider two possibilities for the plasma: free electrons and HII regions. In the former case, we argue that the frequency of the photons will be too small to be observed even by space-based radio telescopes. In the latter case, their frequency is larger, safely above the solar wind cut-off. We provide an estimate of the flux as a function of the decay constant and show that for $f_{a} < 5 \times 10^{11} \text{GeV}$, the signal will be above the radio emission of the solar system's planets and it could potentially be detected by the NCLE instrument which is on board the Chang'e-4 spacecraft. Finally, we calculate the time scale of decay of the axion star and demonstrate that back-reaction can be neglected for all physically interesting values of the decay constant, while the minimum time scale of decay is in the order of a few hours.