Unconventional Ideas for Axion and Dark Matter Experiments

TL;DR

This paper proposes using living plants as unconventional detectors for axion and dark matter, leveraging their sensitivity to environmental changes, aiming to stimulate discussion rather than provide a definitive experimental method.

Contribution

It introduces a novel, highly unconventional approach to dark matter detection using living plants as sensors, differing from traditional detection techniques.

Findings

Conceptual proposal for plant-based dark matter detection

Discussion of bio-photon levels as potential observables

Highlights challenges in calibrating dark matter sources

Abstract

In this contribution an entirely different way compared to conventional approaches for axion, hidden photon and dark matter (DM) detection is proposed for discussion. The idea is to use living plants which are known to be very sensitive to all kind of environmental parameters, as detectors. A possible observable in such living plants could be the natural bio-photon level, a kind of metabolism related chemoluminescence. Another observable might be morphological changes or systematic leave movements. However a big problem for such kind of experiment would be the availability of a known, controllable and calibrated DM source. The objective of this small paper is primarily to trigger a debate and not so much to present a well-defined and clearly structured proposal.