SQUID-based Resonant Detection of Axion Dark Matter

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel SQUID-based resonant detection method for axion dark matter, utilizing a two-contact SQUID to detect oscillating magnetic signals induced by axions in a magnetic field, potentially sensitive to axions with masses up to 10^{-4} eV.

Contribution

It introduces a new experimental technique using a two-contact SQUID to detect axion-induced magnetic perturbations, advancing dark matter search methods.

Findings

Detects oscillating magnetic signals caused by axions.

Sensitive to axion masses up to approximately 10^{-4} eV.

Potentially improves current axion detection capabilities.

Abstract

A new method for searching for Dark Matter axions is proposed. It is shown that a two-contact SQUID can detect oscillating magnetic perturbations induced by the axions in a strong inhomogeneous magnetic field. A resonant signal is a steplike response in the SQUID current-voltage characteristic at a voltage corresponding to the axion mass with a height depending on the axion energy density near the Earth. The proposed experimental technique appears to be sensitive to the axions with masses $m_a\lesssim 10^{-4}$ eV, which is well-motivated by current researches both in cosmology and in particle physics.