Axion quasiparticles for axion dark matter detection

Journal article (2021)

Authors

Jan Schütte-Engel Universität Hamburg, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
David J.E. Marsh Georg-August-University
Alexander J. Millar Stockholm University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Akihiko Sekine RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS)
Francesca Chadha-Day Durham University
Sebastian Hoof Georg-August-University
M.N. Ali QN/Ali Lab - AS , Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft
Kin Chung Fong Raytheon BBN Technologies
Edward Hardy University of Liverpool
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Research Group
QN/Ali Lab (AS) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2021 Jan Schütte-Engel, David J.E. Marsh, Alexander J. Millar, Akihiko Sekine, Francesca Chadha-Day, Sebastian Hoof, M.N. Ali, Kin Chung Fong, Edward Hardy, More Authors
DOI
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https://doi.org/10.1088/1475-7516/2021/08/066
Axions Dark matter detectors Dark matter experiments Dark matter theory
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Published Date

2021

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Applied Sciences

Department

QN/Quantum Nanoscience

Research Group

QN/Ali Lab

Abstract

It has been suggested that certain antiferromagnetic topological insulators contain axion quasiparticles (AQs), and that such materials could be used to detect axion dark matter (DM). The AQ is a longitudinal antiferromagnetic spin fluctuation coupled to the electromagnetic Chern-Simons term, which, in the presence of an applied magnetic field, leads to mass mixing between the AQ and the electric field. The electromagnetic boundary conditions and transmission and reflection coefficients are computed. A model for including losses into this system is presented, and the resulting linewidth is computed. It is shown how transmission spectroscopy can be used to measure the resonant frequencies and damping coefficients of the material, and demonstrate conclusively the existence of the AQ. The dispersion relation and boundary conditions permit resonant conversion of axion DM into THz photons in a material volume that is independent of the resonant frequency, which is tuneable via an applied magnetic field. A parameter study for axion DM detection is performed, computing boost amplitudes and bandwidths using realistic material properties including loss. The proposal could allow for detection of axion DM in the mass range between 1 and 10 meV using current and near future technology.