Speaker
Description
The axion is a particle which solves the strong CP problem and is a well-motivated candidate for dark matter. The Quantum Enhanced Particle Astrophysics (QuEPA) project at Imperial College London looks to detect axions with masses in the 124-248 µeV range (Compton frequencies 30-60 GHz). Towards this goal, a dielectric Fabry-Perot cavity has been developed to convert axions to microwave photons. Fabry-Perot cavities offer volume factors with more favourable scaling with axion frequency compared to traditional cylindrical cavities. A first-generation axion converter has been constructed and tested under cryogenic conditions. High quality factors have been measured and a first scientific run is under developed.
To circumvent the standard quantum noise limit, which severely hampers higher mass axion searches [1], we are also developing a single-photon counter based on an electron in a Penning Trap [2]. We have trapped small clouds of electrons and are working towards coherent control of a single trapped electron, in preparation for demonstrating the photon counting methods.
[1] S. K. Lamoreaux et al., Phys. Rev. D 88, 035020 (2013) https://doi.org /10.1103/PhysRevD.88.035020
[2] J. A. Devlin et. Al., arXiv:2601.05472, https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2601.05472.
| Main Contribution topic | Axion / Sterile |
|---|---|
| Secondary contribution topic | Instrumentation for Dark Matter |