Proposal for a search for cosmic axions using an optical cavity

Area of Science:

• Astrophysics and Particle Physics
• Experimental Physics

Background:

• Cosmic axions are hypothetical particles proposed as a component of dark matter.
• Detecting axions is crucial for understanding the universe's composition and fundamental physics.
• High finesse optical cavities offer a promising experimental setup for sensitive axion detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of using high finesse optical cavities for detecting cosmic axions.
• To determine the suitable cavity configurations (two-arm or single-arm) for axion searches.
• To establish the potential reach of such experiments for specific axion models.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a high finesse optical cavity to search for axions.
• Analyzing resonant sidebands on the carrier signal as an indicator of axion presence.
• Considering both two-arm and single-arm cavity designs.
• Assuming a standard local axion density (rho_{a} = 500 MeV/cm^3).

Main Results:

• High finesse optical cavities are suitable for searching cosmic axions in the mass range of 10^{-6} to 10^{-4} eV.
• Both two-arm and single-arm cavities can detect the signal as resonant sidebands.
• The KSVZ axion line can be reached within a 1-year search period across the full mass range.

Conclusions:

• High finesse optical cavities provide a viable method for detecting cosmic axions.
• The proposed experimental setup demonstrates sensitivity to relevant axion parameters.
• This research contributes to the ongoing search for dark matter candidates.