Extending the sample of core-collapse supernovae for searches of axion-like-particle induced gamma-ray bursts with the Fermi LAT

Understand

During a core-collapse supernova (SN), axion-like particles (ALPs) could be produced through the Primakoff process and subsequently convert into gamma rays in the magnetic field of the Milky Way.

• Using a sample of well studied extragalactic SNe at optical wavelengths, we estimate the time of the core collapse and search for a coincident gamma-ray burst with the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT).
• Under the assumption that at least one SN was contained within the LAT field of view, we exclude photon-ALP couplings within a factor of $\sim$5 of previous limits from SN1987A.
• With the increasing number of SNe observed with optical surveys, our results demonstrate the potential to probe ALP dark matter with combined optical and gamma-ray observations.