arXiv subjects

Jose María García-Barceló

Publications and source records attributed to Jose María García-Barceló.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

The VORTEX cavity for the RADES axion haloscope

One of the major challenges in axion dark matter haloscope searches is a loss-less tuning mechanism that is able to cover a significant frequency range around the haloscope's central frequency. In this article, we report on the implementation and performance of an axion haloscope dubbed Vertical-cut Optimised Resonant Tunable cavity for dark matter EXploration (VORTEX) centred at $8.5$ GHz with a tuning range of around $800$ MHz. The performance of this setup is measured at temperatures in the mK range and compared to simulation. In addition, we test the cavity-mode structure of this cavity type directly via the `bead-pull method' and observe satisfactory agreement with expectations. The arrangement is poised to be used in an upcoming RADES (Relic Axion Detection Exploratory Setup) data-taking campaign employing a $12$ T solenoid magnet.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2025

Split-cavity tuning of a rectangular axion haloscope operating around 8.4 GHz

The axion haloscope is the currently most sensitive method to probe the vanishingly small coupling of this prominent Dark Matter candidate to photons. To scan a sizeable axion Dark Matter parameter space, the cavities that make up the haloscope need to be tuned efficiently. In this article, we describe a novel technique to tune axion haloscopes around $8.4$~GHz in a purely mechanical manner without the use of dielectrics. We achieve tuning by introducing a gap along the cavity geometry. A quality factor reduction of less than 20\% is achieved experimentally for a tuning range of around 600~MHz at room temperature and at cryogenic temperatures for around 300~MHz. A larger tuning range would require an improved alignments mechanism. We present the results of a corresponding prototype and outline prospects to further develop this technique.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2024

Microwave Technologies in Experiments for Detection of Dark Matter Axions

This article reviews different microwave technologies used in dark matter axion detection experiments with resonant cavities. The general concepts of the experiment are presented and ways to optimize the design parameters of microwave resonators are discussed. Additionally, different frequency tuning systems are described. Finally, research lines where microwave engineering can contribute to this kind of axion detection are presented.

physics.ins-det↗