First results from BRASS-p broadband searches for hidden photon dark matter

TL;DR

This paper reports initial results from BRASS-p, a broadband search setup for hidden photon dark matter in the 12-18 GHz range, achieving record sensitivity and discussing future prospects for dark matter detection.

Contribution

First experimental results from BRASS-p demonstrate high sensitivity in hidden photon dark matter searches, showcasing the potential of broadband heterodyne detection methods.

Findings

Achieved sensitivity of (0.3--1.0)×10^{-13} to kinetic mixing.

Covered particle mass range of 49.63-74.44 μeV (12-18 GHz).

Discussed future improvements and applications for dark matter searches.

Abstract

We discuss first results from hidden photon dark matter searches made with a prototype of the Broadband Radiometric Axion/ALPs Search Setup (BRASS-p) in the range of particle mass of 49.63-74.44 $\mu$eV (frequency range of 12-18 GHz). The conceptual design of BRASS and a detailed description of its present prototype, BRASS-p, are given, with a view of the potential application of such setups to hidden photon, axion, and axion-like particle (ALP) dark matter searches using heterodyne detectors in the range of particle mass from 40$\mu$eV to 4000$\mu$eV (10 GHz to 1 THz). Pioneering measurements made with BRASS-p achieve the record sensitivity of (0.3--1.0)$\times$$10^{-13}$ to the kinetic mixing between the normal and hidden photons, assuming the dark matter is made entirely of unpolarized hidden photons. Based on these results, a discussion of further prospects for dark matter searches using the BRASS-p apparatus is presented.