Axion dark matter from frictional misalignment

A bstract We study the impact of sphaleron-induced thermal friction on axion dark-matter abundance due to interaction an axion-like particle (ALP) with a dark non-abelian gauge sector in secluded bath. Thermal can either enhance relic density by delaying onset oscillations or suppress it damping them. derive analytical formula for frictional adiabatic invariant , which remains constant along evolution and allows us compute general set-up. Even most minimal scenario, single group is responsible both generation ALP mass force, we find that resulting from misalignment mechanism deviates standard scenario masses m ? 100 eV. also generalize our analysis case where field induces are distinct their couplings have large hierarchy as be justified means alignment clockwork scenarios. easy open up parameter space matches observed traditionally over- underabundant regimes. This conclusion holds QCD axion.