Novel Limits on Dark Photon Mixing from Radiation Safety

Area of Science:

• Particle Physics
• Astrophysics
• Experimental Physics

Background:

• Dark photons are hypothetical particles that interact weakly with ordinary matter.
• Synchrotron radiation facilities offer unique environments for searching for new physics phenomena.
• Existing radiation safety infrastructure can potentially be repurposed for particle detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel laboratory search for dark photons.
• To leverage radiation-safety monitoring systems at synchrotron facilities for dark photon detection.
• To establish new experimental limits on dark photon properties.

Main Methods:

• Simulating dark photon production via undulator radiation and photon-mirror interactions.
• Accounting for quantum effects and the structure of undulators, mirrors, and detectors.
• Utilizing Geiger-Müller counters for dark photon detection outside shielding.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that Geiger-Müller counters can detect dark photons.
• Established the strongest laboratory limits on the kinetic mixing parameter (χ≲5×10^{-6}) for dark photons in the 1-50 eV mass range.
• Showcased the potential for robust and realistic constraints due to regulated radiation safety protocols.

Conclusions:

• Radiation safety monitoring at synchrotrons provides a viable and sensitive method for dark photon searches.
• Repurposing existing infrastructure offers an efficient approach to constrain dark photon parameters.
• The proposed method yields significant and robust limits, advancing dark matter research.