Proposal to search for a dark photon in $e^+$ on target collisions at DA$\Phi$NE linac

TL;DR

This paper proposes a positron-on-target experiment at DAΦNE linac to search for dark photons in the 2.5 to 20 MeV mass range, aiming for high sensitivity in detecting weak interactions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel experimental setup and analysis method for detecting dark photons in positron collisions, expanding the search capabilities in a previously unexplored mass range.

Findings

Sensitivity down to ~10^{-6} in interaction strength.

Mass region coverage from 2.5 MeV to 20 MeV.

Feasibility of the proposed experiment within one year.

Abstract

Photon-like particles are predicted in many extensions of the Standard Model. They have interactions similar to the photon, are vector bosons, and can be produced together with photons. The present paper proposes a search for such particles in the $ e^+e^- \to U\gamma$ process in a positron-on-target experiment, exploiting the positron beam of the DA$\Phi$NE linac at the Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, INFN. In one year of running a sensitivity in the relative interaction strength down to $\sim10^{-6}$ is achievable, in the mass region from 2.5 MeV$<M_U<$ 20 MeV. The proposed experimental setup and the analysis technique is discussed.