Search for "Invisible" Axion Dark Matter in the $3.3\text{-}4.2~{\mu}$eV Mass Range

TL;DR

This paper reports a haloscope experiment that searches for axion dark matter in the 3.3-4.2 microelectronvolt range, excluding certain theoretical models and demonstrating advanced detection techniques.

Contribution

First experimental exclusion of the KSVZ axion-photon coupling in the specified mass range using a novel high-sensitivity setup.

Findings

Excluded the KSVZ axion-photon coupling in the 3.3-4.2 μeV range

Achieved ultra low noise detection with Josephson parametric amplifier

Validated detection method with blind synthetic signals

Abstract

We report the results from a haloscope search for axion dark matter in the $3.3\text{-}4.2~{\mu}$eV mass range. This search excludes the axion-photon coupling predicted by one of the benchmark models of "invisible" axion dark matter, the KSVZ model. This sensitivity is achieved using a large-volume cavity, a superconducting magnet, an ultra low noise Josephson parametric amplifier, and sub-Kelvin temperatures. The validity of our detection procedure is ensured by injecting and detecting blind synthetic axion signals.