Mass operator of an axion in a crossed field

Abstract

The dominant one-loop electron contribution to the mass operator of an axion in a crossed field in the asymptotic limits of the parameters q 2/m e 2 and $$\chi = \sqrt {e^2 (qF^2 q)/m_e^3 }$$ is calculated. The corresponding electromagnetic mass of the axion is compared with the quantum-chromodynamic mass due to mixing with π. Expressions are derived for the probability of pair creation a→e + e −, and the fundamental conclusion is reached that refractive effects are present in the propagation of an axion in an external electromagnetic field.