Axion Wind Detection with the Homogeneous Precession Domain of Superfluid Helium-3

Area of Science:

• Particle Physics
• Cosmology
• Condensed Matter Physics

Background:

• Axions and axionlike particles are hypothetical particles that may constitute dark matter.
• These particles can interact with nuclear spins, creating an oscillating effective magnetic field known as the 'axion wind'.
• Current detection methods often adapt nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques to sense the transverse field generated by the axion wind.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a new experimental method for detecting the axion wind.
• To utilize the unique properties of superfluid helium-3 for enhanced sensitivity and broadband detection.
• To explore a complementary approach to existing axion wind detection experiments.

Main Methods:

• Employing the homogeneous precession domain of superfluid helium-3 as the detection medium.
• Detecting the axion wind by observing a small shift in the precession frequency of a large-amplitude NMR signal.
• Leveraging precision frequency metrology for sensitive readout.

Main Results:

• The proposed method allows for broadband detection of multiple axion masses simultaneously.
• The setup demonstrates competitive sensitivity to other axion wind experiments, particularly for axion masses below 10^-7 eV.
• The use of superfluid helium-3 offers a unique platform for axion detection.

Conclusions:

• The superfluid helium-3 based approach presents a promising new avenue for axion dark matter detection.
• This method offers advantages in terms of broadband sensitivity and potential for high precision measurements.
• Further development could lead to significant advancements in the search for axionlike particles.