Effective theory approach for axion wormholes

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• Axions and ALPs
• Effective Field Theories
• Global Symmetries
• Nonperturbative Effects