Axions in Quantum Field Theory and Quantum Gravity

Explore a high energy physics seminar presented by Harvard's Matt Reece examining axions' role in quantum field theory and quantum gravity. Delve into axions as potential solutions to the Strong CP problem and their significance as dark matter candidates, with particular attention to their prevalence in string theory constructions. Learn about the conceptualization of axions as gauge fields for (-1)-form generalized global symmetry and instanton number, while understanding their interactions with magnetic monopoles in quantum field theory. Discover insights into the quantization of axion coupling to photons and gain perspective on why axions appear so frequently in quantum gravity theories.