Axion-Mediated Dark Matter: Models and Future Experimental Opportunities

          @misc{ scivideos_PIRSA:25080036,
            doi = {10.48660/25080036},
            url = {https://pirsa.org/25080036},
            author = {},
            keywords = {Cosmology, Particle Physics, Strong Gravity},
            language = {en},
            title = {Axion-Mediated Dark Matter: Models and Future Experimental Opportunities},
            publisher = {Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics},
            year = {2025},
            month = {aug},
            note = {PIRSA:25080036 see, \url{https://scivideos.org/index.php/pirsa/25080036}}
          }
          

Abstract

Dark matter (DM) remains one of the most enduring mysteries in fundamental physics, motivating a wide array of theoretical models and experimental searches. Axions and axion-like particles (ALPs) are theoretically well-motivated, as they naturally arise from theories with broken global symmetries. These particles may serve as viable DM candidates themselves or act as mediators between DM and the Standard Model. In this talk, I will present an overview of axion and axion-mediated DM models, including both classic QCD axions and broader classes of ALPs. Emphasis will be placed on novel mechanisms shaping the cosmic DM abundance, and on innovative strategies for detecting these elusive particles. I will highlight how forthcoming laboratory efforts, such as fixed-target and direct detection experiments, alongside astrophysical observations, are poised to explore uncharted regions of parameter space and deepen our understanding of the connections between axion physics and dark matter.