Light-shining-through-wall axion detection experiments with a stimulating laser

TL;DR

This paper proposes a modified light-shining-through-wall experiment using a stimulating laser to improve axion detection sensitivity, extending the detectable mass range and setting new bounds with current laser technology.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method employing a third laser beam to stimulate axion reconversion, enhancing detection prospects for higher axion masses.

Findings

Expected bounds at axion masses 0.5-6 eV with current lasers

Extended mass range to 10-100 eV using x-ray free electron lasers

Achieved sensitivity of g_{aγγ} ≥ 10^{-7} GeV^{-1}

Abstract

The collision of two real photons can result in the emission of axions. We investigate the performance of a modified light-shining-through-wall (LSW) axion search aiming to overcome the large signal suppression for axion masses $m_a\geq 1 \text{eV}$. We propose to utilise a third beam to stimulate the reconversion of axions into a measurable signal. We thereby find that with currently available high-power laser facilities we expect bounds at axion masses between $0.5-6\text{eV}$ reaching $g_{a\gamma\gamma}\geq 10^{-7}\text{GeV}^{-1}$. Combining the use of optical lasers with currently operating x-ray free electron lasers, we extend the mass range to $10-100\text{eV}$.