No Arabic abstract
Dedicated spectrometers for terahertz radiation with [0.3, 30] THz frequencies using traditional optomechanical interferometry are substantially less common than their infrared and microwave counterparts. This paper presents the design and initial performance measurements of a tabletop Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) for multi-terahertz radiation using infrared optics in a Michelson arrangement. This is coupled to a broadband pyroelectric photodetector designed for [0.1, 30] THz frequencies. We measure spectra of narrowband and broadband input radiation to characterize the performance of this instrument above 10 THz, where signal-to-noise is high. This paves the groundwork for planned upgrades to extend below 10 THz. We also briefly discuss potential astroparticle physics applications of such FTS instruments to broadband axion dark matter searches, whose signature comprises low-rate monochromatic photons with unknown frequency.
The past few years have seen a renewed interest in the search for light particle dark matter. ABRACADABRA is a new experimental program to search for axion dark matter over a broad range of masses, $10^{-12}lesssim m_alesssim10^{-6}$ eV. ABRACADABRA-10 cm is a small-scale prototype for a future detector that could be sensitive to QCD axion couplings. In this paper, we present the details of the design, construction, and data analysis for the first axion dark matter search with the ABRACADABRA-10 cm detector. We include a detailed discussion of the statistical techniques used to extract the limit from the first result with an emphasis on creating a robust statistical footing for interpreting those limits.
Germanium ionization detectors with sensitivities as low as 100 eVee (electron-equivalent energy) open new windows for studies on neutrino and dark matter physics. The relevant physics subjects are summarized. The detectors have to measure physics signals whose amplitude is comparable to that of pedestal electronic noise. To fully exploit this new detector technique, various experimental issues including quenching factors, energy reconstruction and calibration, signal triggering and selection as well as evaluation of their associated efficiencies have to be attended. The efforts and results of a research program to address these challenges are presented.
In an effort to extend the usefulness of microwave cavity detectors to higher axion masses, above ~8 $mu$eV (~2 GHz), a numerical trade study of cavities was conducted to investigate the merit of using variable periodic post arrays and regulating vane designs for higher-frequency searches. The results show that both designs could be used to develop resonant cavities for high-mass axion searches. Multiple configurations of both methods obtained the scanning sensitivity equivalent to approximately 4 coherently coupled cavities with a single tuning rod.
The sensitivity of experimental searches for axion dark matter coupled to photons is typically proportional to the strength of the applied static magnetic field. We demonstrate how a permeable material can be used to enhance the magnitude of this static magnetic field, and therefore improve the sensitivity of such searches in the low frequency lumped-circuit limit. Using gadolinium iron garnet toroids at temperature 4.2 K results in a factor of 4 enhancement compared to an air-core toroidal design. The enhancement is limited by magnetic saturation. Correlation of signals from three such toroids allows efficient rejection of systematics due to electromagnetic interference. The sensitivity of a centimeter-scale axion dark matter search based on this approach is on the order of $g_{agammagamma}approx10^{-9}$ GeV$^{-1}$ after 8 hours of data collection for axion masses near $10^{-10}$ eV. This approach may substantially extend the sensitivity reach of large-volume lumped element axion dark matter searches.
The axion, a consequence of the PQ mechanism, has been considered as the most elegant solution to the strong-CP problem and a compelling candidate for cold dark matter. The Center for Axion and Precision Physics Research (CAPP) of the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) was established on 16 October 2013 with a main objective to launch state of the art axion experiments in South Korea. Relying on the haloscope technique, our strategy is to run several experiments in parallel to explore a wide range of axion masses with sensitivities better than the QCD axion models. We utilize not only the advanced technologies, such as high-field large-volume superconducting (SC) magnets, ultra low temperature dilution refrigerators, and nearly quantum-limited noise amplifiers, but also some unique features solely developed at the Center, including high-quality SC resonant cavities surviving high magnetic fields and efficient cavity geometries to reach high-frequency regions. Our goal is to probe axion dark matter in the frequency range of 1-10 GHz in the first phase and then ultimately up to 25 GHz, even in a scenario where axions constitute only 10% of the local dark matter halo. In this report, the current status and future prospects of the experiments and R&D activities at IBS/CAPP are described.