Astrophysical hints of axion-like particles
Journal
Date Issued
2015
Author(s)
Abstract
After reviewing three astrophysical hints of the existence of axion-like particles (ALPs), we describe in more detail a new similar hint involving flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs). Detection of FSRQs above about 20GeV pose a challenge to very-high-energy (VHE) astrophysics, because at those energies the ultraviolet emission from their broad line region should prevent photons produced by the central engine to leave the source. Although a few astrophysical explanations have been put forward, they are totally ad hoc. We show that a natural explanation instead arises within the conventional models of FSRQs provided that photon-ALP oscillations occur inside the source. Our analysis takes the FSRQ PKR 1222+206 as an example, and it looks tantalizing that basically the same choice of the free model parameters adopted in this case is consistent with those that provide the other three hints of the existence of ALPs.
Volume
38
Issue
1
Start page
37
Issn Identifier
2037-4909
Ads BibCode
2015NCimC..38...37R
Rights
open.access
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Loading...
Name
ncc10901.pdf
Description
postprint
Size
149.93 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
08e33306846e2ea03855b0d780eaa8da