Inverse Primakoff Scattering for Axionlike Particle Coupling

TL;DR

This paper investigates new inelastic scattering channels for axionlike particles produced in the Sun, deriving cross sections and analyzing experimental data to explore previously inaccessible parameter space for ALP couplings and masses.

Contribution

It introduces novel inelastic channels of inverse Primakoff processes involving atomic excitation and ionization, with detailed cross section calculations and experimental analysis.

Findings

New parameter space for ALP-photon couplings in 1 eV to 10 keV range probed and constrained.

Identified limitations in current experiments for DM-ALPs due to decay and flux loss.

Future experiments could explore higher mass ranges up to 1 MeV.

Abstract

Axionlike particles (ALPs) can be produced in the Sun, and are considered viable candidates for the cosmological dark matter (DM). It can decay into two photons or interact with matter. We identify new inelastic channels of inverse Primakoff processes due to atomic excitation and ionization. Their cross sections are derived by incorporating full electromagnetic fields of atomic charge and current densities, and computed by well-benchmarked atomic many-body methods. Complementing data from the underground XENONnT and surface TEXONO experiments are analyzed. Event rates and sensitivity reaches are evaluated with respect to solar- and DM-ALPs. New parameter space in ALP couplings with the photons versus ALP masses in (1~eV$-$10~keV) not previously accessible to laboratory experiments are probed and excluded with solar-ALPs. However, at regions where DM-ALPs have already decayed, there would be no ALP-flux and hence no interactions at the detectors in direct search experiments. No physics constraints can be derived. Future projects would be able to evade the stability bound and open new observable windows in (100~eV$-$1~MeV) for DM-ALPs.