本文介绍了欧洲核子研究中心（CERN）的轴子太阳望远镜（CAST）和轴子暗物质实验（ADMX）的研究结果，并简要评述了利用各种实验技术进行轴子搜索的前景。CAST已经探索了高达0.64 eV的质量，对轴子-光子耦合设置了最严格的限制，除了ADMX是最具竞争力的实验的微eV区域。CAST的目标是超过1 eV WMAP的上限，并可能使用额外灵敏的X射线探测器重新审视真空中的操作，而ADMX使用改进的额外灵敏的SQUID放大器将探索微电子伏特的质量范围。
英文摘要：
We present results from the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) and the Axion Dark Matter eXperiment (ADMX), together with a brief review on prospects on Axion searches with a variety of experimental techniques. CAST has explored masses up to 0.64 eV setting the most stringent limit on the axion-photon coupling, apart for the micro-eV region where ADMX is the most competitive experiment. CAST is aiming at surpassing the 1eV WMAP upper limit and possibly revisiting the operation in vacuum with extra sensitive X-ray detectors, while ADMX, using improved extra sensitive SQUID amplifiers will explore the micro-eV mass range.
We present results of the Relic Axion Dark-Matter Exploratory Setup (RADES), a detector which is part of the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST), searching for axion dark matter in the 34.67$μ$eV mass range. A radio frequency cavity consisting of 5 sub-cavities coupled by inductive irises took physics data inside the CAST dipole magnet for the first time using this filter-like haloscope geometry. An exclusion limit with a 95% credibility level on the axion-photon coupling constant of g$_{aγ}\gtrsim 4\times10^{-13} \text{GeV}^{-1}$ over a mass range of 34.6738 $μ$eV < $m_a$ < 34.6771 $μ$eV is set…
The CAST-CAPP axion haloscope, operating at CERN inside the CAST dipole magnet, has searched for axions in the 19.74 $μ$eV to 22.47 $μ$eV mass range. The detection concept follows the Sikivie haloscope principle, where Dark Matter axions convert into photons within a resonator immersed in a magnetic field. The CAST-CAPP resonator is an array of four individual rectangular cavities inserted in a strong dipole magnet, phase-matched to maximize the detection sensitivity. Here we report on the data acquired for 4124 h from 2019 to 2021. Each cavity is equipped with a fast frequency tuning mechanis…
The Relic Axion Detector Experimental Setup (RADES) is an axion search project that uses a microwave filter as resonator for Dark Matter conversion. The main focus of this publication is the description of the 3 different cavity prototypes of RADES. The result of the first tests of one of the prototypes is also presented. The filters consist of 5 or 6 stainless steel sub-cavities joined by rectangular irises. The size of the sub-cavities determines the working frequency, the amount of sub-cavities determine the working volume. The first cavity prototype was built in 2017 to work at a frequency…
During 2003--2015, the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) has searched for $a\toγ$ conversion in the 9 T magnetic field of a refurbished LHC test magnet that can be directed toward the Sun. In its final phase of solar axion searches (2013--2015), CAST has returned to evacuated magnet pipes, which is optimal for small axion masses. The absence of a significant signal above background provides a world leading limit of $g_{aγ} < 0.66 \times 10^{-10} {\rm GeV}^{-1}$ (95% C.L.) on the axion-photon coupling strength for $m_a \lesssim 0.02$ eV. Compared with the first vacuum phase (2003--2004), the se…
The most compelling candidates for Dark Matter to day are WIMPs and axions. The applicability of gasesous Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) with Micromesh Gas Structures (Micromegas) to the search of these particles is explored within this work. Both particles would produce an extremely low rate at very low energies in particle detectors. Micromegas detectors can provide both low background rates and low en- ergy threshold, due to the high granularity, radiopurity and uniformity of the readout. Small (few cm wide) Micromegas detectors are used to image the axion-induced x-ray signal expected in …
Lowering the background level and the energy threshold of Micromegas x-ray detectors for axion searches
轴子太阳窥镜通过在强磁场中转换为x射线来寻找太阳轴子。使用低背景X射线探测器是提高这些搜索灵敏度的一个重要组成部分。本文综述了用于欧洲核子研究中心（CERN）轴子太阳望远镜（CAST）和未来国际轴子天文台（IAXO）的Micromegas探测器的最新进展。CAST中的实际设置已实现低于10 $^{-6}$ keV $^{-1}$ cm $^{-2}$ s $^{-1}$的本底水平，比第一代Micromegas探测器低100倍。这种减少是基于主动和被动屏蔽技术，选择放射纯材料，离线歧视技术和读出的高粒度。我们详细描述的背景模型的检测器，其操作的基础上在CAST网站和Canfranc地下实验室（LSC），以及Geant 4模拟。目前在LSC达到的最佳水平低于10 $^{-7}$ keV $^{-1}$ cm $^{-2}$ s $^{-1}$，并显示出该技术在IAO中应用的良好前景。最后，我们提出了一些想法和结果，降低这些探测器的能量阈值低于1千电子伏，使用高透明的窗口，自动触发电子学和研究在不同的能量的集群形状。由于在这个能量范围内预期会有高通量的类轴子粒子，亚千电子伏阈值探测器可以扩大轴子太阳镜的物理情况。
Within the increasing interest in the dark matter axion detection through haloscopes, in which different international groups are currently involved, the RADES group was established in 2016 with the goal of developing very sensitive detection systems to be operated in dipole magnets. This review deals with the work developed by this collaboration during its first five years, from the first designs, based on the multi-cavity concept, aiming to increase the haloscope volume and, so, to improve its sensitivity, their evolution, the data acquisition design, and, finally, the first experimental run…
Axions and other very light axion-like particles appear in many extensions of the Standard Model, and are leading candidates to compose part or all of the missing matter of the Universe. They also appear in models of inflation, dark radiation, or even dark energy, and could solve some long-standing astrophysical anomalies. The physics case of these particles has been considerably developed in recent years, and there are now useful guidelines and powerful motivations to attempt experimental detection. Admittedly, the lack of positive signal of new physics at the high energy frontier, and in und…
As part of the T-REX project, a number of R&D and prototyping activities have been carried out during the last years to explore the applicability of Micromegas-read gaseous TPCs in rare event searches like double beta decay (DBD), axion research and low-mass WIMP searches. While in the companion paper we focus on DBD, in this paper we focus on the results regarding the search for dark matter candidates, both axions and WIMPs. Small ultra-low background Micromegas detectors are used to image the x-ray signal expected in axion helioscopes like CAST at CERN. Background levels as low as $0.8\times…
A brief review of light dark matter particles and their spectroscopy is presented, specifically aimed at understanding the interaction mechanisms of axion and Axion-Like Particles (ALPs) with matter and an interim proposal and some ideas for possible detection of these evasive particles. In order to venture into the highly challenging spectral regions and extremely weak signals involved with these searches (especially for the DFSZ axions), a different scheme is proposed departing from the conventional resonant cavity mass scan and heterodyne detection methods. We aim to look for a fixed mass a…
The axion has emerged in recent years as a leading particle candidate to provide the mysterious dark matter in the cosmos, as we review here for a general scientific audience. We describe first the historical roots of the axion in the Standard Model of particle physics and the problem of charge-parity invariance of the strong nuclear force. We then discuss how the axion emerges as a dark matter candidate, and how it is produced in the early Universe. The symmetry properties of the axion dictate the form of its interactions with ordinary matter. Astrophysical considerations restrict the particl…
We review the landscape of QCD axion models. Theoretical constructions that extend the window for the axion mass and couplings beyond conventional regions are highlighted and classified. Bounds from cosmology, astrophysics and experimental searches are reexamined and updated.
