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arXiv · 1907.03767

Axion-like Relics: New Constraints from Old Comagnetometer Data

Itay M. Bloch·Yonit Hochberg·Eric Kuflik·Tomer Volansky
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Abstract

The noble-alkali comagnetometer, developed in recent years, has been shown to be a very accurate measuring device of anomalous magnetic-like fields. An ultra-light relic axion-like particle can source an anomalous field that permeates space, allowing for its detection by comagnetometers. Here we derive new constraints on relic axion-like particles interaction with neutrons and electrons from old comagnetometer data. We show that the decade-old experimental data place the most stringent terrestrial constraints to date on ultra-light axion-like particles coupled to neutrons. The constraints are comparable to those from stellar cooling, providing a complementary probe. Future planned improvements of comagnetometer measurements through altered geometry, constituent content and data analysis techniques could enhance the sensitivity to axion-like relics coupled to nucleons or electrons by many orders of magnitude.

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Itay M. Bloch, Yonit Hochberg, Eric Kuflik, Tomer Volansky. 2019-07-08. Axion-like Relics: New Constraints from Old Comagnetometer Data. https://doi.org/10.1007/jhep01(2020)167

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