Constraints on Axionlike Dark Matter with Masses Down to 10^{-23}  eV/c^{2}

Area of Science:

• Particle Physics
• Cosmology
• Astrophysics

Background:

• Dark matter constitutes a significant portion of the universe's mass.
• Axionlike particles are leading candidates for dark matter.
• Detecting these ultralight particles remains a significant experimental challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To search for signals of ultralight axionlike dark matter.
• To constrain the properties of axionlike particles using experimental data.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of a 6.7-year dataset from a rotating torsion-pendulum experiment.
• Utilized approximately 10^23 polarized electrons within the pendulum.
• Searched for a specific signature, the "wind" effect, caused by dark matter interactions.

Main Results:

• Established a 95% confidence limit on the axionlike decay constant (Fa/Ce).
• Achieved a limit of Fa/Ce > 2x10^15 eV over a broad mass range.
• Constrained axionlike dark matter with masses between 10^-23 and 10^-18 eV/c^2.

Conclusions:

• The experiment provides stringent constraints on ultralight axionlike dark matter.
• This research advances the search for non-baryonic dark matter candidates.
• The findings contribute to understanding the nature of dark matter and fundamental physics.