# A fresh look at ALP searches in fixed target experiments

## TL;DR

This paper reviews high power proton beams for fixed target experiments, introduces an improved calculation for axion-like particle production, and provides a new Monte Carlo tool to enhance searches for new physics.

## Contribution

It offers a novel, more accurate calculation method for ALP production and releases Alpaca, a publicly available Monte Carlo generator for experimental analysis.

## Key findings

- Enhanced calculation for ALP production at lower masses and energies
- Identification of promising experimental setups for ALP searches
- Introduction of the Alpaca Monte Carlo generator

## Abstract

A significant number of high power proton beams are available or will go online in the near future. This provides exciting opportunities for new fixed target experiments and the search for new physics in particular. In this note we will survey these beams and consider their potential to discover new physics in the form of axion-like particles, identifying promising locations and set ups. To achieve this, we present a significantly improved calculation of the production of axion-like particles in the coherent scattering of protons on nuclei, valid for lower ALP masses and/or beam energies. We also provide a new publicly available tool for this process: the Alpaca Monte Carlo generator. This will impact ongoing and planned searches based on this process.