Improving Dark Matter Axion Searches with Active Resonators

TL;DR

This paper proposes using active feedback resonators to significantly enhance the quality factor of microwave cavities in dark matter axion searches, potentially increasing detection sensitivity and speed.

Contribution

Introduction of active feedback resonators to boost Q factor in axion detection experiments, surpassing passive cavity limitations.

Findings

Active resonators can increase Q by several orders of magnitude.

Enhanced Q improves sensitivity and testing rate for axion parameters.

Potential to accelerate dark matter axion discovery efforts.

Abstract

Axions are a well motivated candidate for dark matter. The most sensitive experiments searching for dark matter axions rely on the coupling of axions to the electromagnetic resonances of a microwave cavity immersed in a strong magnetic field. The sensitivity of the experiment is proportional to the Q of the resonance that is coupled to axions. To date, the resonators used in axion searches have all been passive, with Qs limited by power loss in the cavity walls. I propose the use of active feedback resonators to increase the Q of microwave cavity axion dark matter experiments by several orders of magnitude. This should allow experiments to significantly increase the rate at which they can test potential axion masses and couplings.