Dielectric Haloscopes: A New Way to Detect Axion Dark Matter

TL;DR

This paper introduces dielectric haloscopes, a novel experimental setup using dielectric disks in a magnetic field, to detect axion dark matter in the 40-400 μeV mass range by enhancing microwave signals.

Contribution

It proposes dielectric haloscopes as a new method for axion detection, enabling broad mass range scanning with adjustable disks and magnetic fields.

Findings

Potential to detect QCD axions with 80 disks in a 10 Tesla field.

Broad axion mass range coverage from 40 to 400 μeV.

Signal amplification through dielectric discontinuities.

Abstract

We propose a new strategy to search for dark matter axions in the mass range of 40--400 $\mu$eV by introducing dielectric haloscopes, which consist of dielectric disks placed in a magnetic field. The changing dielectric media cause discontinuities in the axion-induced electric field, leading to the generation of propagating electromagnetic waves to satisfy the continuity requirements at the interfaces. Large-area disks with adjustable distances boost the microwave signal (10--100 GHz) to an observable level and allow one to scan over a broad axion mass range. A sensitivity to QCD axion models is conceivable with 80 disks of 1 m$^2$ area contained in a $10$ Tesla field.