arXiv subjects

A. Ortolan

Publications and source records attributed to A. Ortolan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Broad frequency tuning of a Nb$_{3}$Sn superconducting microwave cavity for dark matter searches

We demonstrate a novel broad-frequency tuning mechanism for superconducting microwave cavities designed for dark matter searches. Using a Nb$_3$Sn-coated cigar-shaped cavity operating at approximately 9\,GHz, we achieve continuous frequency tuning exceeding 1\,GHz by mechanically separating the two cavity halves: a "tuning-by-opening" technique. Finite-element method simulations predict that radiative losses do not degrade the quality factor even for large openings, as a closed cavity with an intrinsic quality factor of $10^7$ maintains this value for apertures up to 9\,mm, corresponding to a tuning range from 9.0 to 7.5\,GHz. Experimental validation using both copper ring spacers and a continuous sliding mechanism confirms $Q_0$ values exceeding the dark matter quality factor across the entire explored frequency range, despite mechanical imperfections and film non-uniformities. This tuning approach avoids inserting elements into the resonant volume, making it particularly suitable for high-Q superconducting cavities in axion haloscope experiments and readily applicable to REBCO-based implementations capable of operating in multi-tesla magnetic fields.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2024

A tunable dielectric resonator for axion searches at 11 GHz

In the context of axion search with haloscopes, tunable cavity resonators with high quality factor and high effective volume at frequencies above about 8 GHz are central for probing the axion-photon coupling with the required sensitivity to reach the QCD axion models. Higher order modes in dielectrically-loaded cavities allow for higher effective volumes and larger quality factors compared to basic cylindrical cavities, but a proper cavity frequency tuning mechanism to probe broad axion mass ranges is yet not available. In this work, we report about the design and construction of a tunable prototype of a single-shell dielectric resonator with its axion-sensitive pseudo-TM$_{030}$ high-order mode at about 11 GHz frequency. A clamshell tuning method previously tested for empty cylindrical resonators has been perfected for this geometry through simulations and in situ tests conducted at cryogenic temperature. Tuning is accomplished in a range of about 2 $\%$ the central frequency, without significantly impacting the quality factor of about 175000. The experimental results presented in this work demonstrate the tunability of this type of resonator, definitely confirming its applicability to high frequency axion searches.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2024

Quantum-enhanced sensing of axion dark matter with a transmon-based single microwave photon counter

We report an axion dark matter search with a haloscope equipped with a microwave photon counter. The haloscope is a tunable high quality factor 3-dimensional microwave cavity placed in a magnetic field. The photon counter, operated cyclically, maps an incoming microwave photon onto the state of a superconducting transmon qubit. The measurement protocol continuously monitors the power emitted by the haloscope cavity as well as the dark count background, and enables tuning of the cavity frequency to probe different axion masses. With this apparatus we enhance by a factor 20 the search speed that can be reached with quantum-limited linear amplifiers, and set a new standard for probing the existence of axions with resonant detectors.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Search for Axion dark matter with the QUAX-LNF tunable haloscope

We report the first experimental results obtained with the new haloscope of the QUAX experiment located at Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati of INFN (LNF). The haloscope is composed of a OFHC Cu resonant cavity cooled down to about 30 mK and immersed in a magnetic field of 8 T. The cavity frequency was varied in a 6 MHz range between 8.831496 and 8.83803 GHz. This corresponds to a previously unprobed mass range between 36.52413 and 36.5511 $\mu$eV. We don't observe any excess in the power spectrum and set limits on the axion-photon coupling in this mass range down to $g_{a\gamma\gamma} < 0.861 \times 10^{-13}$ GeV$^{-1}$ with the confidence level set at $90\%$.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2023

Search for galactic axions with a traveling wave parametric amplifier

A traveling wave parametric amplifier has been integrated in the haloscope of the QUAX experiment. A search for dark matter axions has been performed with a high Q dielectric cavity immersed in a 8 T magnetic field and read by a detection chain having a system noise temperature of about 2.1 K at the frequency of 10.353 GHz. Scanning has been conducted by varying the cavity frequency using sapphire rods immersed into the cavity. At multiple operating frequencies, the sensitivity of the instrument was at the level of viable axion models.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2022

Search for galactic axions with a high-Q dielectric cavity

A haloscope of the QUAX--$aγ$ experiment, composed of an high-Q resonant cavity immersed in a 8 T magnet and cooled to $\sim 4.5$~K is operated to search for galactic axion with mass $m_a\simeq42.8~μ\text{eV}$. The design of the cavity with hollow dielectric cylinders concentrically inserted in a OFHC Cu cavity, allowed us to maintain a loaded quality-factor Q $\sim 300000$ during the measurements in presence of magnetic field. Through the cavity tuning mechanism it was possible to modulate the resonance frequency of the haloscope in the region $10.35337-10.35345$~GHz and thus acquire different dataset at different resonance frequencies. Acquiring each dataset for about 50 minutes, combining them and correcting for the axion's signal estimation-efficiency we set a limit on the axion-photon coupling $g_{aγγ}< 0.731\times10^{-13}$ GeV$^{-1}$ with the confidence level set at $90\%$.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2022

Search of spin-dependent fifth forces with precision magnetometry

Spin-dependent fifth-forces are associated with particles beyond the standard model. In particular, light pseudo-scalar bosons mediate long-range forces, allowing mass to interact with spins. The search of these interactions can be performed by periodically varying the distance between a source mass and a spin ensemble, in order to modulate the force intensity and detect it with precision magnetometry techniques. In our setup the force arises from room temperature lead masses and is detected in a paramagnetic crystal at 4.2\,K, whose magnetisation is monitored by a SQUID-based magnetometer with the sensitivity of $53\,\mathrm{aT/\sqrt{Hz}}$. Our measurement places the most stringent constraints on a spin-mass interaction in the ranges 1\,cm to 10\,m and 10\,km to 300\,km, improving existing limits up to more than two orders of magnitude. We show that this experimental technique may be further leveraged to explore a vast region of the fifth force's parameter space, with an interaction range longer than a few centimetres.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2022

A high-Q microwave dielectric resonator for axion dark matter haloscopes

The frequency band 1-15 GHz provides exciting prospects for resonant axion haloscopes as indicated by cosmological and astrophysical arguments. Among the challenges currently addressed to reach the required sensitivity, the development of high quality factor cavities that tolerate multi-Tesla fields plays a central role. We report a 3D resonator based on a right circular copper cavity with hollow cylinders that confine higher order modes around the cylinder axis. Its effective volume at 10.3\,GHz is $3.4 \cdot 10^{-2}$ liters, and under an 8\,T-field we measured an internal quality factor of more than 9 millions. These parameters demonstrate the potential of this unique resonator to probe galactic dark matter axion at remarkable scan rates of 15\,MHz/day when the cavity is readout by a quantum-limited receiver.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2021

Search for invisible axion dark matter of mass m$_a=43~μ$eV with the QUAX--$aγ$ experiment

A haloscope of the QUAX--$aγ$ experiment composed of an oxygen-free high thermal conductivity-Cu cavity inside an 8.1 T magnet and cooled to $\sim200$ mK is put in operation for the search of galactic axion with mass $m_a\simeq43~μ\text{eV}$. The power emitted by the resonant cavity is amplified with a Josephson parametric amplifier whose noise fluctuations are at the standard quantum limit. With the data collected in about 1 h at the cavity frequency $ν_c=10.40176$ GHz, the experiment reaches the sensitivity necessary for the detection of galactic QCD-axion, setting the $90\%$ confidence level limit to the axion-photon coupling $g_{aγγ}<0.639\times10^{-13}$ GeV$^{-1}$.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2020

Cavity magnon polariton based precision magnetometry

A photon-magnon hybrid system can be realised by coupling the electron spin resonance of a magnetic material to a microwave cavity mode. The quasiparticles associated with the system dynamics are the cavity magnon polaritons, which arise from the mixing of strongly coupled magnons and photons. We illustrate how these particles can be used to probe the magnetisation of a sample with a remarkable sensitivity, devising suitable spin-magnetometers which ultimately can be used to directly assess oscillating magnetic fields. Specifically, the capability of cavity magnon polaritons of converting magnetic excitations to electromagnetic ones, allows for translating to magnetism the quantum-limited sensitivity reached by state-of-the-art electronics. Here we employ hybrid systems composed of microwave cavities and ferrimagnetic spheres, to experimentally implement two types of novel spin-magnetometers.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

Realization of a high quality factor resonator with hollow dielectric cylinders for axion searches

The realization and characterization of a high quality factor resonator composed of two hollow-dielectric cylinders with its pseudo-TM$_{030}$ mode resonating at 10.9 GHz frequency is discussed. The quality factor was measured at the temperatures 300 K and 4 K obtaining $\mbox{Q}_{300\mbox{K}}=(150,000\pm 2,000)$ and $\mbox{Q}_{4\mbox{K}}=(720,000\pm 10,000)$respectively, the latter corresponding to a gain of one order of magnitude with respect to a traditional copper cylindrical-cavity with the corresponding TM$_{010}$ mode resonating at the same frequency. The implications to dark-matter axion-searches with cavity experiments are discussed showing that the gain in quality factor is not spoiled by a reduced geometrical coupling $C_{030}$ of the cavity mode to the axion field. This reduction effect is estimated to be at most 20%. Numerical simulations show that frequency tuning of several hundreds MHz is feasible.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2020

Magnon-driven dynamics of a hybrid system excited with ultrafast optical pulses

The potential of photon-magnon hybrid systems as building blocks for quantum information science has been widely demonstrated, and it is still the focus of much research. We leverage the strengths of this unique heterogeneous physical system in the field of precision physics beyond the standard model, where the sensitivity to the so-called "invisibles" is currently being boosted by quantum technologies. Here, we demonstrate that quanta of spin waves, driven by tiniest, effective magnetic field, can be detected in a large frequency band using a hybrid system as transducer. This result can be applied to the search of cosmological signals related, for example, to cold Dark Matter, which may directly interact with magnons. Our model of the transducer is based on a second-quantisation two-oscillators hybrid system, it matches the observations, and can be easily extended to thoroughly describe future large-scale ferromagnetic haloscopes.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

High quality factor photonic cavity for dark matter axion searches

Searches for dark matter axion involve the use of microwave resonant cavities operating in a strong magnetic field. Detector sensitivity is directly related to the cavity quality factor, which is limited, however, by the presence of the external magnetic field. In this paper we present a cavity of novel design whose quality factor is not affected by a magnetic field. It is based on a photonic structure by the use of sapphire rods. The quality factor at cryogenic temperature is in excess of $5 \times 10^5$ for a selected mode.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2020

Axion search with a quantum-limited ferromagnetic haloscope

A ferromagnetic axion haloscope searches for Dark Matter in the form of axions by exploiting their interaction with electronic spins. It is composed of an axion-to-electromagnetic field transducer coupled to a sensitive rf detector. The former is a photon-magnon hybrid system, and the latter is based on a quantum-limited Josephson parametric amplifier. The hybrid system consists of ten 2.1 mm diameter YIG spheres coupled to a single microwave cavity mode by means of a static magnetic field. Our setup is the most sensitive rf spin-magnetometer ever realized. The minimum detectable field is $5.5\times10^{-19}\,$T with 9 h integration time, corresponding to a limit on the axion-electron coupling constant $g_{aee}\le1.7\times10^{-11}$ at 95% CL. The scientific run of our haloscope resulted in the best limit on DM-axions to electron coupling constant in a frequency span of about 120 MHz, corresponding to the axion mass range $42.4$-$43.1\,μ$eV. This is also the first apparatus to perform an axion mass scanning by changing the static magnetic field.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2019

Spontaneous formation of a macroscopically extended coherent state

It is a straightforward result of electromagnetism that dipole oscillators radiate more strongly when they are synchronized, and that if there are $N$ dipoles, the overall emitted intensity scales with $N^2$. In atomic physics, such an enhanced radiative property appears when coherence among two-level identical atoms is established, and is well-known as "superradiance" \cite{Dicke:1954aa}. In superfluorescence (SF), atomic coherence develops via a self-organisation process stemming from the common radiated field, starting from a incoherently prepared population inversion \cite{Bonifacio:1975aa}. First demonstrated in a gas \cite{Skribanowitz:1973} and later in condensed matter systems \cite{Florian:1984}, its potential is currently being investigated in the fields of ultranarrow linewidth laser development for fundamental tests in physics \cite{Meiser:2009,Meiser:2010,Bohnet:2012aa,Norcia:2016, Norcia:2018}, and for the development of devices enabling entangled multi-photon quantum light sources \cite{Raino:2018aa,Angerer:2018aa}. A barely developed aspect in superradiance is related to the properties of the dipole array that generates the pulsed radiation field. In this work we establish the experimental conditions for formation of a macroscopic dipole via superfluorescence, involving the remarkable number of $4\times10^{12}$ atoms. Even though rapidly evolving in time, it represents a flexible test-bed in quantum optics. Self-driven atom dynamics, without the mediation of cavity QED nor quantum dots or quantum well structures, is observed in a cryogenically-cooled rare-earth doped material. We present clear evidence of a decay rate that is enhanced by more than 1-million times compared to that of independently emitting atoms. We thoroughly resolve the dynamics by directly measuring the intensity of the emitted radiation as a function of time.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2019

Galactic axions search with a superconducting resonant cavity

To account for the dark matter content in our Universe, post-inflationary scenarios predict for the QCD axion a mass in the range $(10-10^3)\,μ\mbox{eV}$. Searches with haloscope experiments in this mass range require the monitoring of resonant cavity modes with frequency above 5\,GHz, where several experimental limitations occur due to linear amplifiers, small volumes, and low quality factors of Cu resonant cavities. In this paper we deal with the last issue, presenting the result of a search for galactic axions using a haloscope based on a $36\,\mbox{cm}^3$ NbTi superconducting cavity. The cavity worked at $T=4\,\mbox{K}$ in a 2\,T magnetic field and exhibited a quality factor $Q_0= 4.5\times10^5$ for the TM010 mode at 9\,GHz. With such values of $Q$ the axion signal is significantly increased with respect to copper cavity haloscopes. Operating this setup we set the limit $g_{aγγ}<1.03\times10^{-12}\,\mbox{GeV}^{-1}$ on the axion photon coupling for a mass of about 37\,$μ$eV. A comprehensive study of the NbTi cavity at different magnetic fields, temperatures, and frequencies is also presented.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2018

The Klash Proposal: Status and Perspectives

Recently some of the authors proposed a search for galactic axions with mass about 0.2~$μ$eV using a large volume resonant cavity, tens of cubic meters, cooled down to 4~K and immersed in a magnetic field of about 0.6~T generated inside the superconducting magnet of the KLOE experiment located at the National Laboratory of Frascati of INFN. This experiment, called KLASH (KLoe magnet for Axion SearcH), has a potential sensitivity on the axion-to-photon coupling, $g_{aγγ}$, of about $6\times10^{-17}$ $\mbox{GeV}^{-1}$, reaching the region predicted by KSVZ\cite{KSVZ} and DFSZ\cite{DFSZ} models of QCD axions. We report here the status of the project.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2018

Operation of a ferromagnetic axion haloscope at $m_a=58\,μ$eV

Axions, originally proposed to solve the strong CP problem of quantum chromodynamics, emerge now as leading candidates of WISP dark matter. The rich phenomenology associated to the light and stable QCD axion can be described as an effective magnetic field that can be experimentally investigated. For the QUAX experiment, dark matter axions are searched by means of their resonant interactions with electronic spins in a magnetized sample. In principle, axion-induced magnetization changes can be detected by embedding a sample in an rf cavity in a static magnetic field. In this work we describe the operation of a prototype ferromagnetic haloscope, with a sensitivity limited by thermal fluctuations and receiver noise. With a preliminary dark matter search, we are able to set an upper limit on the coupling constant of DFSZ axions to electrons $g_{aee}<4.9\times10^{-10}$ at 95\% C.L. for a mass of $58\,μ$eV (i.\,e. 14\,GHz). This is the first experimental result with an apparatus exploiting the coupling between cosmological axions and electrons.

hep-ex↗