Title: Indirect Detection of the QCD Axion: Resonant Conversion in Neutron Star Magnetospheres 

Speaker: Luca Visinelli 

 
Abstract: The Peccei-Quinn mechanism addresses the strong charge-parityproblem in particle physics by postulating the existence of the QCD axion, a heretofore undetected particle that would interact with known particles. In particular, axion-photon coupling would enable axion-photon conversion in the presence of a magnetic field. Detecting axions requires strong magnetic fields, dense dark matter environments, and instruments capable of measuring the brightness and frequency of emitted photons. Radio telescopes offer a promising avenue for detection, especially in regions rich with young neutron stars. I discuss recent progress in the field from both theoretical and detection perspectives, focusing on results obtained by employing the VEGAS spectrometer on the Green Bank Telescope to investigate axion-photon conversions near the core of the Andromeda galaxy. 

 
Bio: I am a fellow at the Tsung-Dao Lee Institute, jointly with Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Prior to this, I completed my graduate studies at The University of Utah in Salt Lake City (USA) and subsequently held postdoctoral positions at various prestigious institutes in Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden.   

My research activities encompass a wide range of topics within particle astrophysics, including investigations into dark matter, dark energy, and black holes. My primary focus lies in exploring the intriguing role of light bosons as potential dark matter candidates, addressing the Hubble tension, and unraveling the implications of black hole physics in cosmology. 

Time: 14:00-15:00PM, 6/Mar, Wednesday 

Venue: Room 508 (large seminar room), Department of Astronomy 

You can also access the colloquium via :

https://m.koushare.com/topic-sc/i/physics_sjtu