Experience of Using a Multi-Cathode Counter (MCC) in a Search for Hidden Photon CDM

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel Multi-Cathode Counter technique to search for hidden photon cold dark matter in the 5-500 eV mass range, setting new upper limits on the mixing parameter and outlining future improvements.

Contribution

The paper presents a new experimental method using a Multi-Cathode Counter to detect hidden photon dark matter, with preliminary results and plans for refinement.

Findings

Upper limit for mixing parameter X is 3.3x10^-10 for 9-100 eV mass range.

Three configurations of the counter were used to measure single electron event rates.

Preliminary results indicate potential for further data collection and analysis.

Abstract

We report on a new technique of a Multi-Cathode Counter (MCC) developed to search for hidden photon (HP) cold dark matter (CDM) with a mass from 5 to 500 eV. The method suggested in the assumption that hidden photons of the mass greater than a work function of the metal, the cathode of the counter is fabricated induce emission of single electrons from a cathode. Three configurations of the same counter are used to measure the count rates R1, R2 and R3 of the single electron events during several weeks. As a measure of the effect from HP the difference R1-(R2-D3/D2xR3) has been used. Some preliminary results have been obtained on a first try to search for HP with a mass from 5 to 500 eV. The upper limit for mixing parameter X has been set on the level of 3.3x10-10 for hidden photon mass from 9 to 100 eV. In our plans is to refine the procedure of data treatment and to continue the measurements to collect more data.