arXiv subjects

Karl van Bibber

Publications and source records attributed to Karl van Bibber.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Design of ALPHA Phase I: A Plasma Haloscope for 10--20 GHz Post-Inflation Axions

The axion is a well-motivated hypothetical particle capable of resolving both the strong CP problem and the dark matter mystery, with recent post-inflationary cosmological simulations favoring masses above 40 {\mu}eV. Plasma haloscopes serve as a promising experimental approach to reach theoretically preferred sensitivities in this mass range. ALPHA, hosted at Yale Wright Laboratory, is an international collaboration developing plasma haloscopes to search for QCD dark matter axions. In this letter we present the detailed design and sensitivity projection for the first phase of the ALPHA experiment, which will search the mass range from 10 GHz to 20 GHz (~40 {\mu}eV to 80 {\mu}eV). This search will make use of wire-array plasma resonators to decouple the physical size from the resonant frequency, a limitation typically faced by traditional microwave cavities, allowing broadband sensitivity approaching KSVZ coupling strengths.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2026

Axion search with telescope for radio astronomy (ASTRA): forecast for observations between 0.5 and 4~GHz

Axion dark matter (DM) is predicted to convert into radio waves in neutron star magnetospheres. We assess the detectability of this signal using a 5 m radio telescope to be installed at the Fan Mountain Observatory, operating in the UHF, L- and S-bands from 0.5 to 4~GHz. We demonstrate that such a telescope can search new parameter space for axion-like particles over a broad range from $2\,μ\text{eV}<m_a<17\,μ\text{eV}$ for axion-photon couplings $g_{aγγ} \gtrsim 2\times 10^{-12}\text{ GeV}^{-1}$ with a three year observing period assuming the standard halo model -- improving neutron star observations by more than an order of magnitude. The search is broadband and is thus complementary to other techniques in the same frequency range. We describe in detail our neutron star population model, noise model, and proposed observing strategy. Most constraining power comes from neutron stars at the Galactic centre, where the smooth DM halo is densest. If a DM spike exists at the Galactic centre, the search is sensitive in the QCD axion model band. UHF and L-band observations (0.5 to 2~GHz) represent the pathfinder phase of a wider program we call ``Axion Search with Telescope for Radio Astronomy'' (ASTRA). Future higher mass searches aimed at discovery potential for the post-inflation axion require further hardware development to cover S, C, X and Ku bands (2 to 18~GHz).

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

A Model-Independent Radio Telescope Dark Matter Search in the L and S Bands

Ultralight bosonic dark matter in its most general form can be detected through its decay or annihilation to a quasimonochromatic radio line. Assuming only that this line is consistent with the most general properties of the expected phase space of our Milky Way halo, we have developed and carried out a novel model-independent search for dark matter in the L and S bands. More specifically, the search selects for a line that exhibits a Doppler shift with position according to the solar motion through a static halo and similarly varies in intensity with position with respect to the galactic center. Over the combined L- and S-band range 1020 - 2700 MHz, radiative annihilation of dark matter is excluded above $\langleσv\rangle \approx 10^{-30} \text{ cm}^3 \text{ s}^{-1}$, and for decay above $λ\approx 10^{-32} \text{ s}^{-1}$.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2024

A tunable photonic band gap resonator for axion dark matter searches

Axions are a well-motivated dark matter candidate particle. Haloscopes aim to detect axions in the galactic halo by measuring the photon signal resulting from axions interacting with a strong magnetic field. Existing haloscopes are primarily targeting axion masses which produce microwave-range photons and rely on microwave resonators to enhance the signal power. Only a limited subset of resonator modes are useful for this process, and current cylindrical-style cavities suffer from mode mixing and crowding from other fundamental modes. The majority of these modes can be eliminated by using photonic band gap (PBG) resonators. The band gap behavior of these structures allows for a resonator with mode selectivity based on frequency. We present results from the first tunable PBG resonator, a proof-of-concept design with a footprint compatible with axion haloscopes. We have thoroughly characterized the tuning range of two versions of the structure and report the successful confinement of the operating TM$_{010}$ (transverse magnetic) mode and the elimination of all transverse electric modes within the tuning range.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2023

Tunable Wire Metamaterials for an Axion Haloscope

Metamaterials based on regular two-dimensional arrays of thin wires have attracted renewed attention in light of a recently proposed strategy to search for dark matter axions. When placed in the external magnetic field, such metamaterials facilitate resonant conversion of axions into plasmons near their plasma frequency. Since the axion mass is not known a priori, a practical way to tune the plasma frequency of metamaterial is required. In this work, we have studied a system of two interpenetrating rectangular wire lattices where their relative position is varied. The plasma frequency as a function of their relative position in two dimensions has been mapped out experimentally, and compared with both a semi-analytic theory of wire-array metamaterials and numerical simulations. Theory and simulation yield essentially identical results, which in turn are in excellent agreement with experimental data. Over the range of translations studied, the plasma frequency can be tuned over a range of 16%.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2023

On the use of dielectric elements in axion searches with microwave resonant cavities

This study explores the primary effects of dielectric materials in a resonant cavity-based search for axion dark matter. While dielectrics prove beneficial in numerous cases, their incorporation may lead to less-than-optimal performance, especially for the lowest TM mode. Additionally, the stronger confinement of the electric field inside the dielectrics can exacerbate mode mixings, in particular for higher-order modes. Case studies have been carried out using a combination of analytical solutions and numerical simulations. The findings indicate dielectric cavities employing the $\text{TM}_{010}$ mode experience a significant reduction in sensitivity when compared to a similar search conducted in a cavity at equivalent frequency using no dielectrics.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2023

Searching For Dark Matter with Plasma Haloscopes

We summarise the recent progress of the Axion Longitudinal Plasma HAloscope (ALPHA) Consortium, a new experimental collaboration to build a plasma haloscope to search for axions and dark photons. The plasma haloscope is a novel method for the detection of the resonant conversion of light dark matter to photons. ALPHA will be sensitive to QCD axions over almost a decade of parameter space, potentially discovering dark matter and resolving the Strong CP problem. Unlike traditional cavity haloscopes, which are generally limited in volume by the Compton wavelength of the dark matter, plasma haloscopes use a wire metamaterial to create a tuneable artificial plasma frequency, decoupling the wavelength of light from the Compton wavelength and allowing for much stronger signals. We develop the theoretical foundations of plasma haloscopes and discuss recent experimental progress. Finally, we outline a baseline design for ALPHA and show that a full-scale experiment could discover QCD axions over almost a decade of parameter space.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

A Symmetric Multi-rod Tunable Microwave Cavity for the HAYSTAC Dark Matter Axion Search

The microwave cavity experiment is the most sensitive way of looking for axions in the 0.1-10 GHz range, corresponding to masses of 0.5 - 40 $μ$eV. The particular challenge for frequencies greater than 5 GHz is designing a cavity with a large volume that contains a resonant mode that has a high form factor, a high quality factor, a wide dynamic range, and is free from intruder modes. For HAYSTAC, we have designed and constructed an optimized high frequency cavity with a tuning mechanism that preserves a high degree of rotational symmetry, critical to maximizing its figure of merit. This cavity covers an important frequency range according to recent theoretical estimates for the axion mass, 5.5 - 7.4 GHz, and the design appears extendable to higher frequencies as well. This paper will discuss key design and construction details of the cavity, present a summary of the design evolution, and alert practitioners of potentially unfruitful avenues for future work.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2020

An Integral Experiment on Polyethylene Using Radiative Capture in Indium Foils in a High Flux D-D Neutron Generator

The Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California Berkeley built a D-D neutron generator called the High Flux Neutron Generator (HFNG). It operates in the range of 100-125 keV of accelerating voltage. The generator produces neutron current of about 10^8 per second. These neutrons have energies between 2.2-2.8 MeV. We report here the results of a measurement of the scattered vs unscattered neutron fluence on polyethylene determined via neutron activation of multiple natural indium foils from a D-D neutron generator. Both the angle-integrated spectrum and the angle differential results are consistent with the predictions of the Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport (MCNP) code, using the ENDF/B-VII.1. This supports shielding calculations in the fast energy region with high density polyethylene (HDPE). To the best of our knowledge no integral benchmark experiment has been performed on polyethylene using D(D,n)alpha neutron spectrum.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2019

HAYSTAC Status, Results, and Plans

We describe the design of the dark matter experiment Haloscope At Yale Sensitive To Axion Cold Dark Matter (HAYSTAC), and report the results of a haloscope search for dark matter axions. We exclude axion models with axion-photon couplings $g_{aγγ} \underset{\sim}{>}2\times10^{-14}$ GeV$^{-1}$ over the range $23.55 20~μ$eV to date.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2017

Measurement of the $^{64}$Zn,$^{47}$Ti(n,p) Cross Sections using a DD Neutron Generator for Medical Isotope Studies

Cross sections for the $^{47}$Ti(n,p)$^{47}$Sc and $^{64}$Zn(n,p)$^{64}$Cu reactions have been measured for quasi-monoenergetic DD neutrons produced by the UC Berkeley High Flux Neutron Generator (HFNG). The HFNG is a compact neutron generator designed as a "flux-trap" that maximizes the probability that a neutron will interact with a sample loaded into a specific, central location. The study was motivated by interest in the production of $^{47}$Sc and $^{64}$Cu as emerging medical isotopes. The cross sections were measured in ratio to the $^{113}$In(n,n')$^{113m}$In and $^{115}$In(n,n')$^{115m}$In inelastic scattering reactions on co-irradiated indium samples. Post-irradiation counting using an HPGe and LEPS detectors allowed for cross section determination to within 5% uncertainty. The $^{64}$Zn(n,p)$^{64}$Cu cross section for 2.76$^{+0.01}_{-0.02}$ MeV neutrons is reported as 49.3 $\pm$ 2.6 mb (relative to $^{113}$In) or 46.4 $\pm$ 1.7 mb (relative to $^{115}$In), and the $^{47}$Ti(n,p)$^{47}$Sc cross section is reported as 26.26 $\pm$ 0.82 mb. The measured cross sections are found to be in good agreement with existing measured values but with lower uncertainty (< 5%), and also in agreement with theoretical values. This work highlights the utility of compact, flux-trap DD-based neutron sources for nuclear data measurements and potentially the production of radionuclides for medical applications.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2013

Status of the ADMX and ADMX-HF experiments

The Axion Dark Matter eXperiment (ADMX) is in the midst of an upgrade to reduce its system noise temperature. ADMX-HF (High Frequency) is a second platform specifically designed for higher mass axions and will serve as an innovation test-bed. Both will be commissioning in 2013 and taking data shortly thereafter. The principle of the experiment, current experimental limits and the status of the ADMX/ADMX-HF program will be described. R&D on hybrid superconducting cavities will be discussed as one example of an innovation to greatly enhance sensitivity.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2009

Detailed design of a resonantly-enhanced axion-photon regeneration experiment

A resonantly-enhanced photon-regeneration experiment to search for the axion or axion-like particles is described. This experiment is a shining light through walls study, where photons travelling through a strong magnetic field are (in part) converted to axions; the axions can pass through an opaque wall and convert (in part) back to photons in a second region of strong magnetic field. The photon regeneration is enhanced by employing matched Fabry-Perot optical cavities, with one cavity within the axion generation magnet and the second within the photon regeneration magnet. Compared to simple single-pass photon regeneration, this technique would result in a gain of (F/pi)^2, where F is the finesse of each cavity. This gain could feasibly be as high as 10^(10), corresponding to an improvement in the sensitivity to the axion-photon coupling, g_(agg), of order (F/pi)^(1/2) ~ 300. This improvement would enable, for the first time, a purely laboratory experiment to probe axion-photon couplings at a level competitive with, or superior to, limits from stellar evolution or solar axion searches. This report gives a detailed discussion of the scheme for actively controlling the two Fabry-Perot cavities and the laser frequencies, and describes the heterodyne signal detection system, with limits ultimately imposed by shot noise.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2009

Axions as Dark Matter Particles

We review the current status of axions as dark matter. Motivation, models, constraints and experimental searches are outlined. The axion remains an excellent candidate for the dark matter and future experiments, particularly the Axion Dark Matter eXperiment (ADMX), will cover a large fraction of the axion parameter space.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2007

Resonantly Enhanced Axion-Photon Regeneration

We point out that photon regeneration-experiments that search for the axion, or axion-like particles, may be resonantly enhanced by employing matched Fabry-Perot optical cavities encompassing both the axion production and conversion magnetic field regions. Compared to a simple photon regeneration experiment, which uses the laser in a single-pass geometry, this technique can result in a gain in rate of order ${\cal F}^2$, where ${\cal F}$ is the finesse of the cavities. This gain could feasibly be $10^{(10-12)}$, corresponding to an improvement in sensitivity in the axion-photon coupling, $g_{aγγ}$ , of order ${\cal F}^{1/2} \sim 10^{(2.5-3)}$, permitting a practical purely laboratory search to probe axion-photon couplings not previously excluded by stellar evolution limits, or solar axion searches.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2007

Cavity Microwave Searches for Cosmological Axions

This chapter will cover the search for dark matter axions based on microwave cavity experiments proposed by Pierre Sikivie. The topic begins with a brief overview of halo dark matter and the axion as a candidate. The principle of resonant conversion of axions in an external magnetic field will be described as well as practical considerations in optimizing the experiment as a signal-to-noise problem. A major focus of the lecture will be the two complementary strategies for ultra-low noise detection of the microwave photons - the ``photon-as-wave'' approach (i.e. conventional heterojunction amplifiers and soon to be quantum-limited SQUID devices), and ``photon-as-particle'' (i.e. Rydberg-atom single-quantum detection). Experimental results will be presented; these experiments have already reached well into the range of sensitivity to exclude plausible axion models, for limited ranges of mass. The section will conclude with a discussion of future plans and challenges for the microwave cavity experiment.

hep-ex↗