On search for eV hidden sector photons in Super-Kamiokande and CAST experiments

TL;DR

This paper proposes using Super-Kamiokande and CAST detectors to search for eV-scale hidden sector photons produced via kinetic mixing with solar photons, aiming to detect or constrain their existence.

Contribution

It introduces a novel experimental approach to detect hidden photons in the eV energy range using existing large detectors, improving sensitivity and limits.

Findings

Sensitivity to mixing strengths as small as 10^-9

Potential to improve existing limits on hidden photon flux

Feasibility of using Super-Kamiokande and CAST for hidden photon searches

Abstract

If light hidden sector photons exist, they could be produced through kinetic mixing with solar photons in the eV energy range. We propose to search for this hypothetical hidden photon flux with the Super-Kamiokande and/or upgraded CAST detectors. The proposed experiments are sensitive to mixing strengths as small as 10^-9 for hidden photon masses in the sub eV region and, in the case of non-observation, would improve limits recently obtained from photon regeneration laser experiments in this mass region.