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Published on: September 8, 2023
Constraints on axion dark matter by distributed intercity quantum sensors
Yuanhong Wang1, Ying Huang1, Xiang Kang1
1Laboratory of Spin Magnetic Resonance, School of Physical Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Scientific Instrument Development and Application, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
Ultralight axion particles, potential dark matter candidates, were probed using noble-gas spin experiments. This study sets new constraints on axion-nucleon coupling, surpassing astrophysical limits for specific mass ranges.
Area of Science:
- Particle Physics
- Cosmology
- Astrophysics
Background:
- Ultralight axion particles are leading candidates for dark matter.
- Axions may form topological defect dark matter (TDM) configurations.
- Astrophysical observations currently constrain axion properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally search for TDM-induced spin rotations.
- To explore axion parameter space beyond astrophysical constraints.
- To set new limits on axion-nucleon coupling.
Main Methods:
- Utilized five correlated noble-gas laboratory setups.
- Employed hyperpolarized noble-gas spins with enhanced sensitivity.
- Monitored transient rotations of polarized spins.
Main Results:
- Achieved sensitivity to spin rotations of approximately 10^-6 rad.
- Set constraints on axion-nucleon coupling from 10 peV to 0.2 μeV.
- Established a constraint of 4.1 × 10^10 GeV at 84 peV.
Conclusions:
- Experimental results exceed current astrophysical constraints under specific model assumptions.
- The methodology offers a novel approach for beyond-Standard Model physics searches.
- This work opens avenues for detecting axion waves, stars, strings, and Q-balls.
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