Axion and hidden photon dark matter detection with multilayer optical haloscopes

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel dielectric haloscope detector for axion and dark photon dark matter at infrared to ultraviolet frequencies, capable of exploring new parameter space in the 0.1-10 eV mass range.

Contribution

It introduces a new class of high-frequency dark matter detectors based on periodic photonic materials, expanding detection capabilities beyond microwave resonators.

Findings

Potential to probe significant new parameter space for dark matter

Feasible experimental techniques for high-frequency detection

Enhanced conversion efficiency in periodic photonic structures

Abstract

A well-motivated class of dark matter candidates, including axions and dark photons, takes the form of coherent oscillations of a light bosonic field. If the dark matter couples to Standard Model states, it may be possible to detect it via absorptions in a laboratory target. Current experiments of this kind include cavity-based resonators that convert bosonic dark matter to electromagnetic fields, operating at microwave frequencies. We propose a new class of detectors at higher frequencies, from the infrared through the ultraviolet, based on the dielectric haloscope concept. In periodic photonic materials, bosonic dark matter can efficiently convert to detectable single photons. With feasible experimental techniques, these detectors can probe significant new parameter space for axion and dark photon dark matter in the 0.1-10 eV mass range.