Aspects of Axion $F(R)$ Gravity

Abstract

We provide a compact review on recent developments on axion $F(R)$ gravity. The axion field is a string theory originating theoretical particle that is a perfect candidate for low-mass particle dark matter. In this review we present how a viable inflationary phenomenology and a viable late-time evolution can be described by an axion $F(R)$ gravity theory, in which the $F(R)$ gravity part can drive in a geometric way the inflationary and the late-time era, and the axion field behaves as dark matter, with its energy density $\rho_a$ behaving as a function of the scale factor as $\rho_a\sim a^{-3}$. We also briefly discuss the effect of a non-trivial axion Chern-Simons coupling on the inflationary phenomenology of the $R^2$ model. Finally, we briefly discuss the effects of a non-minimal coupling of the axion field with the curvature on neutron stars, and also the propagation of gravity waves in Chern-Simons axion gravity.