Testing axion physics in a Josephson junction environment

TL;DR

This paper proposes using Josephson junction-based experiments to detect dark matter axions by creating a resonant environment, leveraging current nanotechnology capabilities to explore axionic interactions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel experimental setup utilizing Josephson junctions to test axion interactions, bridging dark matter physics with superconducting quantum devices.

Findings

Potential detection of axionic signals in Josephson junction environments

Feasibility of experiments with current nanotechnology

Connection between axion physics and superconducting quantum systems

Abstract

We suggest that experiments based on Josephson junctions, SQUIDS, and coupled Josephson qubits can be used to construct a resonant environment for dark matter axions. We propose experimental setups in which axionic interaction strengths in a Josephson junction environment can be tested, similar in nature to recent experiments that test for quantum entanglement of two coupled Josephson qubits. We point out that the parameter values relevant for early-universe axion cosmology are accessible with present day's achievements in nanotechnology. We work out how typical dark matter and dark energy signals would look like in a novel detector that exploits this effect.