Generation of axions and axion-like particles through mass parametric resonance induced by scalar perturbations in the early universe

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel mechanism for axion and axion-like particle production in the early universe via mass parametric resonance driven by scalar perturbations, which could lead to explosive particle generation without creating isocurvature perturbations.

Contribution

It introduces a new production mechanism involving scalar perturbations and mass parametric resonance, distinct from traditional axion generation methods.

Findings

Scalar perturbations can induce significant axion production.

Mass parametric resonance can cause explosive particle generation.

No additional isocurvature perturbations are produced.

Abstract

Axions and axion-like particles can be generated in the early universe through mechanisms such as misalignment production, thermal processes, and the decay of topological defects. In this study, we show that scalar perturbations in the early universe can produce a significant amount of these particles primarily through mass parametric resonance effects. Scalar perturbations induce temperature fluctuations during the particle mass transition era, e.g., during the QCD phase transition. These temperature fluctuations modulate the particle mass, transferring energy into the field through parametric mass resonance, a nonlinear process. This mechanism exhibits substantially unstable regions that could lead to explosive particle production. Notably, it does not generate additional isocurvature perturbations.