Spontaneous cogenesis by the QCD axion in a type I seesaw mechanism
Abstract
We propose a cogenesis scenario in which both the baryon asymmetry and dark matter abundance originate from the kinetic misalignment of the QCD axion. The framework unifies the Peccei-Quinn (PQ) mechanism with a type I seesaw sector, where Hubble-induced masses and higher-dimensional PQ-violating operators drive early time axion rotation. Working within the Dine-Fischler-Srednicki-Zhitnitsky axion model augmented by heavy neutrinos, we identify the parametric window of right-handed neutrino masses, determined by its decay rate, and the range of Hubble scales compatible with successful cogenesis, while maintaining the axion solution to the strong C P problem and satisfying current limits on axion isocurvature perturbations. Our results establish kinetic misalignment as a robust and predictive mechanism for the QCD-axion cogenesis, leading to correlated constraints on the right-handed neutrino mass and the inflation scale for an axion decay constant within the viable range f a ∼ 10 8 – 10 12 GeV .
Fields of Study & Subjects
Dark Matter and Cosmic Phenomena
Particle physics theoretical and experimental studies
Cosmology and Gravitation Theories
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Physical review. D/Physical review. D.
- Volume
- 113
- Issue
- 9
- Publication date
- 27 April 2026
- Language
- EN