Axion/Hidden-Photon Dark Matter Conversion into Condensed Matter Axion

TL;DR

This paper explores how dark matter particles like axions or hidden photons can convert into condensed matter axions within certain materials, potentially enabling new detection methods for dark matter.

Contribution

It establishes a theoretical framework linking dark matter interactions with condensed matter axions and estimates the conversion rate for detection purposes.

Findings

Conversion rate of dark matter particles into condensed matter axions estimated

Relationship between condensed matter axions and spin-wave excitations clarified

Potential for new dark matter detection techniques discussed

Abstract

The QCD axion or axion-like particles are candidates of dark matter of the universe. On the other hand, axion-like excitations exist in certain condensed matter systems, which implies that there can be interactions of dark matter particles with condensed matter axions. We discuss the relationship between the condensed matter axion and a collective spin-wave excitation in an anti-ferromagnetic insulator at the quantum level. The conversion rate of the light dark matter, such as the elementary particle axion or hidden photon, into the condensed matter axion is estimated for the discovery of the dark matter signals.