The word "axion" is spelled as /ˈæksi.ɒn/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This term comes from the Greek word "ἀξίωσις" which means "value" or "worth". The spelling includes the "x" letter which represents the sound of "ks" rather than the "z" sound in the word "axiomatic". Additionally, the "i" after the "x" indicates a short "i" sound, thus making the second syllable pronounced as "si". Overall, the spelling of "axion" follows the general spelling rules of English while retaining the Greek origin of the term.
An axion, in the field of particle physics, is a theoretical elementary particle that was postulated to explain the phenomenon of strong CP violation. It is proposed as a consequence of the Peccei-Quinn theory, which was formulated to solve the strong CP problem in quantum chromodynamics (QCD).
Axions are extremely light, neutral particles that interact very weakly with ordinary matter and electromagnetic fields. They possess unique properties, such as low mass and a small coupling constant, leading to their potential identification as dark matter candidates. Due to their low mass, axions could compose a significant portion of the non-baryonic dark matter in the universe, providing a solution to the long-standing question regarding the composition of most of the matter in the cosmos.
Although axions have never been directly detected, various experimental efforts have been employed to search for their existence. These include experiments involving high precision spectrometers, magnetic fields, and resonant cavities, among others. Additionally, astrophysical observations, such as measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation and the cooling rate of stars, have also been utilized to constrain the properties of axions.
In summary, an axion is a hypothetical elementary particle that was proposed to explain the absence of strong CP violation in the universe. Its unique properties, including low mass and weak interactions, make it a potential dark matter constituent. However, their detection and confirmation still remain an ongoing pursuit within the scientific community.
The word "axion" originates from the Greek word "axios" (ἄξιος), which means "worthy" or "having value". It was first introduced in physics in the late 1970s by Frank Wilczek, a Nobel Laureate in Physics, who coined the term "axion" to describe a hypothetical elementary particle. The choice of this name was influenced by its connection to the concept of the particle being "worthy" or "deserving" of being considered a candidate for explaining certain unsolved problems in physics.