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arXiv · 1301.6184

Search for a Scalar Axion-like Particle at 34 GHz

P. L. Slocum·O. K. Baker·J. L. Hirshfield·Y. Jiang·G. Kazakevitch·S. Kazakov·M. A. LaPointe·A. T. Malagon·A. J. Martin·S. Shchelkunov·A. Szymkowiak
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Abstract

Light axion-like particles (ALPs) that couple to two photons are allowed in a number of proposed extensions to the Standard Model of elementary particles. Of particular interest from a theoretical and observational standpoint is the energy regime near 0.1 meV. We present results from a pilot experiment to search for a signal from a 0.14 meV scalar ALP by way of its coupling to two photons. Using a copper resonant cavity cooled to four degrees Kelvin while immersed in a seven Tesla magnetic field, and coupled to a low noise cryogenic amplifier and room temperature receiver, we exclude an ALP-driven excess of 34 GHz photons with g$>10^{-8}$/GeV with 5$σ$ confidence. We discuss the ramifications of this initial measurement as well as planned modifications to the experiment for increased sensitivity.

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P. L. Slocum, O. K. Baker, J. L. Hirshfield, Y. Jiang, G. Kazakevitch, S. Kazakov, M. A. LaPointe, A. T. Malagon, A. J. Martin, S. Shchelkunov, A. Szymkowiak. 2013-01-25. Search for a Scalar Axion-like Particle at 34 GHz. https://arxiv.org/abs/1301.6184

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