An Experiment and Detection Scheme for Cavity-based Cold Dark Matter Searches

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel cavity-based detection scheme for light cold dark matter particles, utilizing integrated diode and transistor amplifiers, a Halbach magnet array, and simplified read-out methods to enhance sensitivity and reduce noise and costs.

Contribution

It introduces a new resonance detection scheme with integrated amplifiers and a Halbach magnet array, aiming to improve dark matter searches with simpler, cost-effective, and low-noise solutions.

Findings

Demonstrated resonance detection with simulated signals in a small axion mass range.

Proposed a Halbach magnet array as a low-noise, permanent magnetic solution.

Presented a simplified on-resonance dc read-out scheme.

Abstract

A resonance detection scheme and some useful ideas for cavity-based searches of light cold dark matter particles (such as axions) are presented, as an effort to aid in the on-going endeavors in this direction as well as for future experiments, especially in possibly developing a table-top experiment. The scheme is based on our idea of a resonant detector, incorporating an integrated Tunnel Diode (TD) and a GaAs HEMT/HFET (High Electron Mobility Transistor/Heterogenous FET) transistor amplifier, weakly coupled to a cavity in a strong transverse magnetic field. The TD-amplifier combination is suggested as a sensitive and simple technique to facilitate resonance detection within the cavity while maintaining excellent noise performance, whereas our proposed Halbach magnet array could serve as a low-noise and permanent solution replacing the conventional electromagnets scheme. We present some preliminary test results which demonstrate resonance detection from simulated test signals in a small optimal axion mass range with superior Signal-to-Noise Ratios (SNR). Our suggested design also contains an overview of a simpler on-resonance dc signal read-out scheme replacing the complicated heterodyne readout. We believe that all these factors and our propositions could possibly improve or at least simplify the resonance detection and read-out in cavity-based DM particle detection searches (and other spectroscopy applications) and reduce the complications (and associated costs), in addition to reducing the electromagnetic interference and background.