First Constraints on the Photon Coupling of Axionlike Particles from Multimessenger Studies of the Neutron Star Merger GW170817

Dev, P. S. Bhupal; Fortin, Jean-François; Harris, Steven P.; Sinha, Kuver; Zhang, Yongchao

doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.101003

Title: First Constraints on the Photon Coupling of Axionlike Particles from Multimessenger Studies of the Neutron Star Merger GW170817

Journal Article · 05 March 2024 · Physical Review Letters

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.101003 · OSTI ID:2318766

; Fortin, Jean-François;

; Sinha, Kuver;

We use multimessenger observations of the neutron star merger event GW170817 to derive new constraints on axionlike particles (ALPs) coupling to photons. ALPs are produced via Primakoff and photon coalescence processes in the merger, escape the remnant, and decay back into two photons, giving rise to a photon signal approximately along the line of sight to the merger. We analyze the spectral and temporal information of the ALP-induced photon signal and use the Large Area Telescope (Fermi-LAT) observations of GW170817 to derive our new ALP constraints. We also show the improved prospects with future MeV $γ$ -ray missions, taking the spectral and temporal coverage of Fermi-LAT as an example. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

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Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: SC 0017987; FG02-00ER41132; SC0009956

OSTI ID:: 2318766

Journal Information:: Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters Vol. 132 Journal Issue: 10; ISSN 0031-9007

Publisher:: American Physical SocietyCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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