The Strong CP Problem and Axions

Abstract

I describe how the QCD vacuum structure, necessary to resolve the $U(1{)}_A$ problem, predicts the presence of a P, T and CP violating term proportional to the vacuum angle $\bar{\theta }$. To agree with experimental bounds, however, this parameter must be very small $(\bar{\theta }\le 10^{-9}$). After briefly discussing some possible other solutions to this, so-called, strong CP problem, I concentrate on the chiral solution proposed by Peccei and Quinn which has associated with it a light pseudoscalar particle, the axion. I discuss in detail the properties and dynamics of axions, focusing particularly on invisible axion models where axions are very light, very weakly coupled and very long-lived. Astrophysical and cosmological bounds on invisible axions are also briefly touched upon.

Comments: 14 pages, to appear in the Lecture Notes in Physics volume on Axions, (Springer Verlag)