Cavity design for high-frequency axion dark matter detectors

Area of Science:

• Particle Physics
• Experimental Techniques
• Cosmology

Background:

• Axion dark matter searches utilize resonant microwave cavities.
• Current detectors are limited to lower axion mass ranges (below ~8 μeV).
• Higher frequencies require novel cavity designs for sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate advanced cavity designs for high-mass axion detection.
• Evaluate variable periodic post arrays and regulating vane designs.
• Assess feasibility for frequencies above ~2 GHz (∼8 μeV).

Main Methods:

• Conducted a numerical trade study of microwave cavity configurations.
• Simulated performance of variable periodic post arrays.
• Simulated performance of regulating vane designs.

Main Results:

• Both variable periodic post arrays and regulating vane designs are viable for high-mass axion searches.
• Multiple configurations achieved high scanning sensitivity.
• Sensitivity equivalent to ~4 coherently coupled cavities was demonstrated with a single tuning rod.

Conclusions:

• Novel cavity designs enable extension of axion searches to higher mass ranges.
• Variable periodic posts and regulating vanes offer efficient tuning solutions.
• These advancements pave the way for future high-frequency axion dark matter experiments.