Axion Decay Width: Mass 10^-6 eV, Primakoff Effect

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter florian101
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Decay Width
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the frequency width of a decaying axion with a mass of 10^-6 eV, which decays via the Primakoff effect into a single photon. The Primakoff effect, defined as the scattering process a+Z -> gamma+Z, allows for the computation of the final photon frequency using conservation of energy and momentum principles. The narrowness of the photon frequency is attributed to the single photon in the final state, making the signal width dependent on the initial energy and scattering angle of the axions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of axion physics and mass-energy equivalence
  • Knowledge of the Primakoff effect in particle physics
  • Familiarity with conservation of energy and momentum principles
  • Basic concepts of photon behavior in quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical formulation of the Primakoff effect
  • Explore axion detection methods and their implications in astrophysics
  • Learn about the role of magnetic fields in particle decay processes
  • Investigate the implications of axion mass on cosmological models
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, researchers in particle physics, and anyone studying axion properties and their implications in theoretical models.

florian101
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
hello
I would like to know the frequency width of a decaying axion
Lets say the axion has a mass of 10^-6 eV and it decays via the primakoff effect within a B field into one photon. Because there is only one photon in the final state I would assume that the photon frequency is quite narrow but what actually defines the width of the signal?
thanks
florian
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Spectrum of incoming axions, I think? Primakoff effect is just a fancy name for scattering, a+Z -> gamma+Z. Final frequency should be exactly computable if we know initial energy and scattering angle, simply using conservation of energy & momentum (since all particles are stable).
 

Similar threads

Undergrad New Constraints On The Higgs Boson Width
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Graduate Quantum Anti-Zeno Effect and Decay Rates
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad ATLAS and CMS see signs of Higgs->muons decay
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
7K
Graduate How Does the Mass of the Bottom Quark Affect Z Boson Decay Calculations?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Undergrad How Does Beta Decay Relate to the Role of W Bosons in Weak Nuclear Force?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
Graduate What is the significance of the newly discovered pentaquark at LHCb?
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
10K
Undergrad Experimental check of photon mass and Coulomb's law
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
Graduate Questionable research practices in Nuclear Fusion
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Undergrad Concentrated arcs in bubble chamber photos
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Confused about selection rules in optical transitions
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K