arXiv subjects

Yevgeny V. Stadnik

Publications and source records attributed to Yevgeny V. Stadnik.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Probing Lorentz-violating scalar forces and dark matter with precision matter and antimatter experiments

We explore a class of Lorentz-violating scalar-field models where the effects of the scalar field on antimatter can be strongly enhanced compared to matter. Non-trivial differences in phenomenology arise for spectroscopy measurements depending on whether the scalar field changes slowly or rapidly on the atomic scale. We highlight opportunities for precision tests in the laboratory including dark matter searches, in particular with spectroscopy and interferometry measurements, as well as certain types of antimatter experiments.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Scalar-Magnetometer Search for Ultralight Dark Photon Dark Matter with a Single-Site, Two-Sensor Array: A 6-Channel DTFT Likelihood Analysis with Scalar Optically Pumped Magnetometers

We report on a laboratory search for ultralight dark photon dark matter using a single-site, two-sensor scalar magnetometer array. The experiment employs two scalar optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) operated in a differential configuration to suppress common-mode noise and enhance sensitivity to spatially coherent dark photon fields. We analyze 10.5 hours of continuous data with a six-channel complex data vector evaluated at the three physical frequencies of the expected dark photon signal triplet. Assuming Gaussian noise, we develop a likelihood framework to set robust, frequency-resolved upper limits on the kinetic-mixing parameter $\varepsilon$, which governs the coupling between Standard Model photons and dark photons. Within the mass range $4\times10^{-15}\,\mathrm{eV} \leq m_{A'} \leq 3\times10^{-14}\,\mathrm{eV}$, we obtain the most stringent direct laboratory limits to date on $\varepsilon$, complementing existing astrophysical bounds including those inferred from observations of the Leo-T dwarf galaxy.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Searching for Exotic Interactions between Antimatter

We show that atomic antimatter spectroscopy can be used to search for new bosons that carry spin-dependent exotic forces between antifermions. A comparison of a recent precise measurement of the hyperfine splitting of the $1$S and $2$S electronic levels of antihydrogen and bound-state quantum electrodynamics theory yields the first tests of positron-antiproton exotic interactions, constraining the dimensionless coupling strengths $g_pg_p$, $g_Vg_V$ and $g_Ag_A$, corresponding to the exchange of a pseudoscalar (axionlike), vector, or axial-vector boson, respectively. We also discuss new tests of CPT invariance with exotic spin-dependent and spin-independent interactions involving antimatter.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2025

Momentum and Matter Matter for Axion Dark Matter Matters on Earth

We investigate the implications of matter effects to searches for axion Dark Matter on Earth. The finite momentum of axion Dark Matter is crucial to elucidating the effects of Earth on both the axion Dark Matter field value and its gradient. We find that experiments targeting axion couplings compatible with canonical solutions of the strong CP puzzle are likely not affected by Earth's matter effects. However, experiments sensitive to lighter axions with stronger couplings can be significantly affected, with a significant part of the parameter space suffering from a reduced axion field value, and therefore decreased experimental sensitivity. In contrast, the spatial gradient of the axion field can be enhanced along Earth's radial direction, with important implications for ongoing and planned experiments searching for axion Dark Matter.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Detecting the Coupling of Axion Dark Matter to Neutron Spins at Spallation Sources via Rabi Oscillation

We propose a novel detection method for axion dark matter using the Rabi oscillation of neutron spins in beam-based measurements. If axions couple to neutron spins, a background oscillating axion dark matter field would drive transitions between spin-up and spin-down neutron states in a magnetic field when the axion particle energy matches the energy gap between the spin states. The transition can be detected in a double-Stern-Gerlach-type apparatus, with the first splitter producing a pure spin-polarized neutron beam and the second splitter selecting spin-flipped signals. Our approach offers enhanced detection capability for axions within the $10^{-12} - 10^{-10} \,$eV mass window with the capability to surpass the sensitivity of current laboratory experiments.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Spin-dependent exotic interactions

Novel interactions beyond the four known fundamental forces in nature (electromagnetic, gravitational, strong and weak interactions), may arise due to "new physics" beyond the standard model, manifesting as a "fifth force". This review is focused on spin-dependent fifth forces mediated by exotic bosons such as spin-0 axions and axionlike particles and spin-1 Z' bosons, dark photons, or paraphotons. Many of these exotic bosons are candidates to explain the nature of dark matter and dark energy, and their interactions may violate fundamental symmetries. Spin-dependent interactions between fermions mediated by the exchange of exotic bosons have been investigated in a variety of experiments, particularly at the low-energy frontier. Experimental methods and tools used to search for exotic spin-dependent interactions, such as atomic comagnetometers, torsion balances, nitrogen-vacancy spin sensors, and precision atomic and molecular spectroscopy, are described. A complete set of interaction potentials, derived based on quantum field theory with minimal assumptions and characterized in terms of reduced coupling constants, are presented. A comprehensive summary of existing experimental and observational constraints on exotic spin-dependent interactions is given, illustrating the current research landscape and promising directions of further research.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Searching for ultralight scalar dark matter with muonium and muonic atoms

Ultralight scalar dark matter may induce apparent oscillations of the muon mass, which may be directly probed via temporal shifts in the spectra of muonium and muonic atoms. Existing datasets and ongoing spectroscopy measurements with muonium are capable of probing scalar-muon interactions that are up to 12 orders of magnitude more stringent than astrophysical bounds. Ongoing free-fall experiments with muonium can probe forces associated with the exchange of virtual ultralight scalar bosons between muons and standard-model particles, offering up to 5 orders of magnitude improvement in sensitivity over complementary laboratory and astrophysical bounds.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Intensity interferometry for ultralight bosonic dark matter detection

Ultralight bosonic dark matter (UBDM) can be described by a classical wave-like field oscillating near the Compton frequency of the bosons. If a measurement scheme for the direct detection of UBDM interactions is sensitive to a signature quadratic in the field, then there is a near-zero-frequency (dc) component of the signal. Thus, a detector with a given finite bandwidth can be used to search for bosons with Compton frequencies many orders of magnitude larger than its bandwidth. This opens the possibility of a detection scheme analogous to Hanbury Brown and Twiss intensity interferometry. Assuming that the UBDM is virialized in the galactic gravitational potential, the random velocities produce slight deviations from the Compton frequency. These result in stochastic fluctuations of the intensity on a time scale determined by the spread in kinetic energies. In order to mitigate ubiquitous local low-frequency noise, a network of sensors can be used to search for the stochastic intensity fluctuations by measuring cross-correlation between the sensors. This method is inherently broadband, since a large range of Compton frequencies will yield near-zero-frequency components within the sensor bandwidth that can be searched for simultaneously. Measurements with existing sensor networks have sufficient sensitivity to search experimentally unexplored parameter space.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Probing Relativistic Axions from Transient Astrophysical Sources

Emission of relativistic axions from transient sources, such as axion star explosions, can lead to observable signatures. We show that axion bursts from collapsing axion stars can be detectable over the wide range of axion masses $10^{-15} \, \textrm{eV} \lesssim m \lesssim 10^{-7} \, \textrm{eV}$ in laboratory experiments, such as ABRACADABRA, DMRadio and SHAFT. The detection of axion bursts could provide new insights into the fundamental axion potential, which is challenging to probe otherwise. An ensemble of bursts in the distant past would give rise to a diffuse axion background distinct from the usual cold axion DM. Coincidence with other signatures would provide a new window into multi-messenger astronomy.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Comment on ''Quantum sensor networks as exotic field telescopes for multi-messenger astronomy''

In the recent work [Dailey et al., Nature Astronomy 5, 150 (2021)], it was claimed that networks of quantum sensors can be used as sensitive multi-messenger probes of astrophysical phenomena that produce intense bursts of relativistic bosonic waves which interact non-gravitationally with ordinary matter. The most promising possibility considered in [Ibid.] involved clock-based searches for quadratic scalar-type interactions, with greatly diminished reach in the case of magnetometer-based searches for derivative-pseudoscalar-type interactions and clock-based searches for linear scalar-type interactions. In this note, we point out that the aforementioned work overlooked the ''back action'' of ordinary matter on scalar waves with quadratic interactions and that accounting for back-action effects can drastically affect the detection prospects of clock networks. In particular, back action can cause strong screening of scalar waves near Earth's surface and by the apparatus itself, rendering clock experiments insensitive to extraterrestrial sources of relativistic scalar waves. Additionally, back-action effects can retard the propagation of scalar waves through the interstellar and intergalactic media, significantly delaying the arrival of scalar waves at Earth compared to their gravitational-wave counterparts and thereby preventing multi-messenger astronomy on human timescales.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2021

Robust laboratory limits on a cosmological spatial gradient in the electromagnetic fine-structure constant from accelerometer experiments

Quasar absorption spectral data indicate the presence of a spatial gradient in the electromagnetic fine-structure constant $α$ on cosmological length scales. We point out that experiments with accelerometers, including torsion pendula and atom interferometers, can be used as sensitive probes of cosmological spatial gradients in the fundamental constants of nature, which give rise to equivalence-principle-violating forces on test masses. Using laboratory data from the Eöt-Wash experiment, we constrain spatial gradients in $α$ along any direction to be $| \boldsymbol{\nabla} α/ α| < 6.6 \times 10^{-4}~(\textrm{Glyr})^{-1}$ at $95\%$ confidence level. Our result represents an order of magnitude improvement over laboratory bounds from clock-based searches for a spatial gradient in $α$ directed along the observed cosmological $α$-dipole axis. Improvements to accelerometer experiments in the foreseeable future are expected to provide sufficient sensitivity to test the cosmological $α$-dipole seen in astrophysical data.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2020

New bounds on macroscopic scalar-field topological defects from non-transient signatures due to environmental dependence and spatial variations of the fundamental constants

We point out that in models of macroscopic topological defects composed of one or more scalar fields that interact with standard-model fields via scalar-type couplings, the back-action of ambient matter on the scalar field(s) produces an environmental dependence of the fundamental constants of nature, as well as spatial variations of the fundamental constants in the vicinity of dense bodies such as Earth due to the formation of a "bubble-like" defect structure surrounding the dense body. In sufficiently dense environments, spontaneous symmetry breaking may be inhibited altogether for $ϕ^2$ interactions, potentially delaying the cosmological production of topological defects. We derive bounds on non-transient variations of the fundamental constants from torsion-pendulum experiments that search for equivalence-principle-violating forces, experiments comparing the frequencies of ground- and space-based atomic clocks, as well as ground-based clocks at different heights in the recent Tokyo Skytree experiment, and measurements comparing atomic and molecular transition frequencies in terrestrial and low-density astrophysical environments. Our results constrain the present-day mass-energy fraction of the Universe due to a network of infinite domain walls produced shortly after the BBN or CMB epochs to be $Ω_{\textrm{walls},0} \ll 10^{-10}$ for the symmetron model with a $ϕ^4$ potential and $ϕ^2$ interactions, improving over CMB quadrupolar temperature anisotropy bounds by at least 5 orders of magnitude. Our newly derived bounds on domain walls with $ϕ^2$ interactions via their effects of non-transient variations of the fundamental constants are significantly more stringent than previously reported clock- and cavity-based limits on passing domain walls via transient signatures and previous bounds from different types of non-transient signatures, under the same set of assumptions.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

Dual frequency caesium spin maser

Co-magnetometers have been validated as valuable components of the atomic physics toolbox in fundamental and applied physics. So far, the explorations have been focused on systems involving nuclear spins. Presented here is a demonstration of an active alkali-metal (electronic) system, i.e. a dual frequency spin maser operating with the collective caesium F=3 and F=4 spins. The experiments have been conducted in both magnetically shielded and unshielded environments. In addition to the discussion of the system's positive feedback mechanism, the implementation of the dual frequency spin maser for industrial non-destructive testing is shown. The stability of the F=3 and F=4 spin precession frequency ratio measurement is limited at the $3 \times 10^{-8}$ level, by the laser frequency drift, corresponding to a frequency stability of 1.2 mHz for $10^4$ sec integration time. We discuss measurement strategies that could improve this stability to nHz, enabling measurements with sensitivities to the axion-nucleon and axion-electron interactions at the levels of $f_a/C_N \sim 10^9$ GeV and $f_a/C_e \sim 10^8$ GeV, respectively.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2019

Constraints on bosonic dark matter from ultralow-field nuclear magnetic resonance

The nature of dark matter, the invisible substance making up over $80\%$ of the matter in the Universe, is one of the most fundamental mysteries of modern physics. Ultralight bosons such as axions, axion-like particles or dark photons could make up most of the dark matter. Couplings between such bosons and nuclear spins may enable their direct detection via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy: as nuclear spins move through the galactic dark-matter halo, they couple to dark-matter and behave as if they were in an oscillating magnetic field, generating a dark-matter-driven NMR signal. As part of the Cosmic Axion Spin Precession Experiment (CASPEr), an NMR-based dark-matter search, we use ultralow-field NMR to probe the axion-fermion "wind" coupling and dark-photon couplings to nuclear spins. No dark matter signal was detected above background, establishing new experimental bounds for dark-matter bosons with masses ranging from $1.8\times 10^{-16}$ to $7.8\times 10^{-14}$ eV.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2019

Revisiting spin-dependent forces mediated by new bosons: Potentials in the coordinate-space representation for macroscopic- and atomic-scale experiments

The exchange of spin-0 or spin-1 bosons between fermions or spin-polarised macroscopic objects gives rise to various spin-dependent potentials. We derive the coordinate-space non-relativistic potentials induced by the exchange of such bosons, including contact terms that can play an important role in atomic-scale phenomena, and correct for errors and omissions in the literature. We summarise the properties of the potentials and their relevance for various types of experiments. These potentials underpin the interpretation of experiments that search for new bosons, including spectroscopy, torsion-pendulum measurements, magnetometry, parity nonconservation and electric dipole moment experiments.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2019

Search for axionlike dark matter with a liquid-state nuclear spin comagnetometer

We report the results of a search for axionlike dark matter using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. This search is part of the multi-faceted Cosmic Axion Spin Precession Experiment (CASPEr) program. In order to distinguish axionlike dark matter from magnetic fields, we employ a comagnetometry scheme measuring ultralow-field NMR signals involving two different nuclei ($^{13}$C and $^{1}$H) in a liquid-state sample of acetonitrile-2-$^{13}$C ($^{13}$CH$_{3}$CN). No axionlike dark matter signal was detected above background. This result constrains the parameter space describing the coupling of the gradient of the axionlike dark matter field to nucleons to be $g_{aNN}<6\times 10^{-5}$ GeV$^{-1}$ (95$\%$ confidence level) for particle masses ranging from $10^{-22}$ eV to $1.3\times10^{-17}$ eV, improving over previous laboratory limits for masses below $10^{-21}$ eV. The result also constrains the coupling of nuclear spins to the gradient of the square of the axionlike dark matter field, improving over astrophysical limits by orders of magnitude over the entire range of particle masses probed.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2018

Searches for New Particles Including Dark Matter with Atomic, Molecular and Optical Systems

New particles can manifest their effects in many settings, ranging from effects on sub-atomic to galactic length scales. The nature of these effects depends on the specific particles and their non-gravitational interactions. In this chapter, we give a brief overview of how atomic, molecular and optical systems can be used to search for new particles. To illustrate the basic principles behind these methods, we focus on the simplest class of particles, namely new spinless bosons.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2018

Probing "long-range" neutrino-mediated forces with atomic and nuclear spectroscopy

The exchange of a pair of low-mass neutrinos between electrons, protons and neutrons produces a "long-range" $1/r^5$ potential, which can be sought for in phenomena originating on the atomic and sub-atomic length scales. We calculate the effects of neutrino-pair exchange on transition and binding energies in atoms and nuclei. In the case of atomic s-wave states, there is a large enhancement of the induced energy shifts due to the lack of a centrifugal barrier and the highly singular nature of the neutrino-mediated potential. We derive limits on neutrino-mediated forces from measurements of the deuteron binding energy and transition energies in positronium, muonium, hydrogen and deuterium, as well as isotope-shift measurements in calcium ions. Our limits improve on existing constraints on neutrino-mediated forces from experiments that search for new macroscopic forces by 18 orders of magnitude. Future spectroscopy experiments have the potential to probe long-range forces mediated by the exchange of pairs of standard-model neutrinos and other weakly-charged particles.

physics.atom-ph↗