First Search for Axion Dark Matter with a MADMAX Prototype

Area of Science:

• Particle physics
• Cosmology
• Astrophysics

Background:

• Dark matter axions are hypothetical particles proposed to solve the dark matter puzzle.
• Previous searches for axions have employed various experimental techniques.
• The MAgnetized Disk and Mirror Axion eXperiment (MADMAX) aims to detect axions using a novel dielectric haloscope.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first search for dark matter axions within specific mass ranges using a dielectric haloscope.
• To set upper limits on the axion-photon coupling strength.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of the MADMAX experimental concept.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a prototype MADMAX setup featuring three sapphire disks and a mirror within a 1.6 T magnetic field.
• Collected data over 14.5 days to search for axion-induced microwave signals.
• Employed a dielectric haloscope to resonantly enhance the axion-photon conversion signal.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant signal consistent with dark matter axions was detected in the targeted mass ranges (76.56–76.82 μeV and 79.31–79.53 μeV).
• A 95% confidence level upper limit on the axion-photon coupling strength was established down to |g_{aγ}|∼2×10^{-11} GeV⁻¹.
• The results surpass previous experimental constraints for these specific mass ranges.

Conclusions:

• The first dark matter axion search using a dielectric haloscope was successfully performed.
• The MADMAX experimental approach is validated as a viable method for future axion searches.
• The established limits contribute to constraining axion properties and understanding dark matter composition.