Limits on a CP-violating scalar axion-nucleon interaction

Abstract: Axions or similar hypothetical pseudoscalar bosons may have a small CP-violating scalar Yukawa interaction g_s(N) with nucleons, causing macroscopic monopole-dipole forces. Torsion-balance experiments constrain g_p(e) g_s(N), whereas g_p(N) g_s(N) is constrained by the depolarization rate of ultra-cold neutrons or spin-polarized nuclei. However, the pseudoscalar couplings g_p(e) and g_p(N) are strongly constrained by stellar energy-loss arguments and g_s(N) by searches for anomalous monopole-monopole forces, together providing the most restrictive limits on g_p(e) g_s(N) and g_p(N) g_s(N). The laboratory limits on g_s(N) are currently the most restrictive constraints on CP-violating axion interactions.