Semi-analytic bounds on axion-like-particle supernovae emission

TL;DR

This paper develops semi-analytic bounds on axion-like particle emission from supernovae, incorporating finite ALP mass and PNS parameter variations, providing a fast alternative to complex simulations.

Contribution

It extends previous semi-analytic models to include ALP mass effects and assesses the robustness of bounds against astrophysical uncertainties.

Findings

Bounds agree with numerical simulation results.

Sensitivity of bounds to PNS parameters and nuclear effects.

Semi-analytic method offers a robust, fast alternative for constraints.

Abstract

Core-collapse supernovae provide natural laboratories for the production of new light particles. In particular, axion-like particles (ALPs) can be constrained via SN1987A cooling arguments. However, significant astrophysical and nuclear uncertainties imply that such bounds may vary strongly depending on modeling choices, even when expensive simulations are employed. In this context, semi-analytic methods offer a simple and fast alternative for deriving new-physics constraints. Building on a previous semi-analytic framework, in which proto-neutron star (PNS) observables are expressed in terms of six global PNS parameters, we include a finite ALP mass in the calculation and derive bounds in the axion-nucleon coupling versus mass plane. The obtained bounds are in good agreement with previous results from numerical simulations, demonstrating the robustness of the method. We also illustrate the sensitivity of the bounds to different PNS parameter calibrations, nuclear effects and cooling exclusion criteria.