Solar Axion Search Technique with Correlated Signals from Multiple Detectors

TL;DR

This paper explores how correlated signals from multiple crystal detectors can enhance the sensitivity of solar axion searches by leveraging angular measurements and signal averaging techniques.

Contribution

It introduces a method to improve axion detection sensitivity using multiple crystals and angle averaging, reducing the need for precise absolute angle measurements.

Findings

Relative crystal orientation improves sensitivity.

A 2-4 degree angle precision is sufficient for certain energy resolutions.

Signal averaging can substitute for precise angular measurements.

Abstract

The coherent Bragg scattering of photons converted from solar axions inside crystals would boost the signal for axion-photon coupling enhancing experimental sensitivity for these hypothetical particles. Knowledge of the scattering angle of solar axions with respect to the crystal lattice is required to make theoretical predications of signal strength. Hence, both the lattice axis angle within a crystal and the absolute angle between the crystal and the Sun must be known. In this paper, we examine how the experimental sensitivity changes with respect to various experimental parameters. We also demonstrate that, in a multiple-crystal setup, knowledge of the relative axis orientation between multiple crystals can improve the experimental sensitivity, or equivalently, relax the precision on the absolute solar angle measurement. However, if absolute angles of all crystal axes are measured, we find that a precision of 2-4 degrees will suffice for an energy resolution of $\sigma_E=0.04{\rm E}$ and a flat background. Finally, we also show that, given a minimum number of detectors, a signal model averaged over angles can substitute for precise crystal angular measurements, with some loss of sensitivity.