Journal of High Energy Physics (Jul 2024)

Effective theory approach for axion wormholes

  • Dhong Yeon Cheong,
  • Seong Chan Park,
  • Chang Sub Shin

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP07(2024)039
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2024, no. 7
pp. 1 – 24

Abstract

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Abstract We employ the effective field theory approach to analyze the characteristics of Euclidean wormholes within axion theories. Using this approach, we obtain non-perturbative instantons in various complex scalar models with and without a non-minimal coupling to gravity, as well as models featuring the R 2 term for a range of coupling values. This yields a series of analytical expressions for the axion wormhole action, shedding light on the model parameters and field dependencies of contributions in both the ultraviolet and infrared domains. Consequently, model-dependent local operators that disrupt axion shift symmetries are generated at lower energy levels. This, in turn, provides crucial insights into the gravitational influences on the axion quality problem.

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