# First Searches for Axions and Axion-Like Particles with the LUX Experiment

## TL;DR

This paper reports the first search for axions and axion-like particles using the LUX experiment, setting new upper limits on their coupling constants and masses based on 2013 data, significantly constraining theoretical models.

## Contribution

It provides the first experimental constraints on axion and axion-like particle interactions with xenon, improving existing limits and exploring new parameter spaces.

## Key findings

- Excluded axio-electric coupling gAe > 3.5 × 10^{-12} for solar axions.
- Set upper mass limits of 0.12 eV/c^2 (DFSZ) and 36.6 eV/c^2 (KSVZ) for axions.
- Excluded gAe > 4.2 × 10^{-13} for galactic axion-like particles in 1-16 keV/c^2 range.

## Abstract

The first searches for axions and axion-like particles with the Large Underground Xenon (LUX) experiment are presented. Under the assumption of an axio-electric interaction in xenon, the coupling constant between axions and electrons, gAe is tested, using data collected in 2013 with an exposure totalling 95 live-days $\times$ 118 kg. A double-sided, profile likelihood ratio statistic test excludes gAe larger than 3.5 $\times$ 10$^{-12}$ (90% C.L.) for solar axions. Assuming the DFSZ theoretical description, the upper limit in coupling corresponds to an upper limit on axion mass of 0.12 eV/c$^{2}$, while for the KSVZ description masses above 36.6 eV/c$^{2}$ are excluded. For galactic axion-like particles, values of gAe larger than 4.2 $\times$ 10$^{-13}$ are excluded for particle masses in the range 1-16 keV/c$^{2}$. These are the most stringent constraints to date for these interactions.