Probing Axion via M\"ossbauer Spectroscopy

Abstract

We propose using the ultra-narrow 88 keV M\"ossbauer transition in $^{109}$Ag to search for QCD axion dark matter. The sub-eV axion field oscillates coherently, inducing a time-varying effective $\bar{\theta}_{\rm QCD}$ angle. This, in turn, modulates the nuclear binding energy. From existing linewidth measurements, we derive constraints on the $f_a^{-1}$-$m_a$ plane that already surpass other laboratory bounds. We further detail an experimental setup to directly probe this time-dependent signature via precision M\"ossbauer spectroscopy in the gravitational potential. This Letter demonstrates that this approach can significantly extend search capability and probe a vast, unexplored region of axion parameter space. Particularly, this setup can probe axion masses beyond the reach of existing experiments, such as atomic-clock measurements, offering a powerful new way for exploring higher-mass axion dark matter. The sensitivity has the potential to be further improved with advancing experimental capabilities.