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We explore the consequences of the existence of a new light pseudoscalar particle, such as the axion. Thermal energy can be converted into axions through annihilation (e^+e^-), photoproduction (), and plasma decay (). Explicit expressions for the cross sections and decay lifetimes are given. We conclude that axion production can occur in advanced stages of stellar evolution and in the big-bang creation of the universe. The most dramatic effect, however, is expected during gravitational collapse of massive stars where axions may help trigger a supernova explosion.
Karnig O. Mikaelian (Wed,) studied this question.