Altered axion abundance from a dynamical Peccei-Quinn scale

We build a model in which the relic abundance of axions is altered from standard misalignment mechanism, either increased or decreased, due to presence new light scalar that couples radial part Peccei-Quinn (PQ) field. The makes effective PQ symmetry-breaking scale dynamical, altering early-time dynamics for axion and affecting its late-time dark matter abundance. analyze this mechanism semianalytically numerically, showing we can accommodate both lighter heavier matter, compared treatments. discuss implications searches fundamental physics.