Axions and a Gauged Peccei-Quinn Symmetry

Abstract

The axion solution to the strong CP problem requires an anomalous global U(1) symmetry. We show that the existence of such a symmetry is a natural consequence of an extra dimension in which a gauged U(1) is spontaneously broken on one of two branes, leaving an accidental global symmetry on the other brane. Depending on where the standard model matter lives, the resulting axion can be either the DFSZ or hadronic type. Gaugino-mediated supersymmetry breaking fits comfortably in our framework. In addition, we present a model in which the supersymmetry-breaking and Peccei-Quinn breaking scales are naturally of the same size.

10 pages, typos fixed, comments and references added