Astrophysical implications of new light Higgs bosons

Abstract

We explore the consequences of the existence of a new light pseudoscalar particle, such as the axion. Thermal energy can be converted into axions through annihilation (${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}h$), photoproduction ($\ensuremath{\gamma}e\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{he}$), and plasma decay (${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{p}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}h$). Explicit expressions for the cross sections and decay lifetimes are given. We conclude that axion production can occur in advanced stages of stellar evolution and in the big-bang creation of the universe. The most dramatic effect, however, is expected during gravitational collapse of massive stars where axions may help trigger a supernova explosion.