The CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) searches for $atogamma$ conversion in the 9 T magnetic field of a refurbished LHC test magnet that can be directed toward the Sun. Two parallel magnet bores can be filled with helium of adjustable pressure to match the X-ray refractive mass $m_gamma$ to the axion search mass $m_a$. After the vacuum phase (2003--2004), which is optimal for $m_alesssim0.02$ eV, we used $^4$He in 2005--2007 to cover the mass range of 0.02--0.39 eV and $^3$He in 2009--2011 to scan from 0.39--1.17 eV. After improving the detectors and shielding, we returned to $^4$He in 2012 to investigate a narrow $m_a$ range around 0.2 eV (candidate setting of our earlier search) and 0.39--0.42 eV, the upper axion mass range reachable with $^4$He, to cross the axion line for the KSVZ model. We have improved the limit on the axion-photon coupling to $g_{agamma}< 1.47times10^{-10} {rm GeV}^{-1}$ (95% C.L.), depending on the pressure settings. Since 2013, we have returned to vacuum and aim for a significant increase in sensitivity.
Download