Search for Invisible Axion Dark Matter with the Axion Dark Matter Experiment

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Astrophysics
• Particle Physics

Background:

• Dark matter remains one of the most significant mysteries in modern physics.
• Axions are hypothetical elementary particles proposed as a dark matter candidate.
• Detecting axions requires sensitive experimental techniques capable of probing their weak interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To search for dark matter axions within a specific mass range (2.66–2.81 μeV).
• To test the predictions of invisible axion models by constraining axion-photon couplings.
• To improve experimental sensitivity for future dark matter searches.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a large-volume haloscope to detect axion-photon conversions.
• Operated the experiment at subkelvin temperatures to minimize thermal noise.
• Employed ultralow-noise superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) amplifiers for signal readout.

Main Results:

• Excluded a significant range of axion-photon couplings predicted by plausible invisible axion models.
• Achieved unprecedented sensitivity in the targeted axion mass range.
• Demonstrated the effectiveness of subkelvin operation and advanced amplifiers in reducing experimental noise.

Conclusions:

• The results place strong constraints on invisible axion models.
• The experimental approach provides a pathway for nearly definitive tests of the invisible axion model across various mass ranges.
• This work advances the search for a compelling dark matter candidate.