Exploring Quantum Aspects of Dark Matter Axions and Dark Photons Transitioning to Photons in a Resonant Cavity

TL;DR

This paper investigates quantum effects in axion and dark photon to photon conversion within resonant cavities, revealing that quantum amplification depends on cavity quality and does not require dark matter coherence, with implications for detection strategies.

Contribution

It demonstrates quantum-level amplification of axion-photon transitions by cavity quality factor and extends analysis to dark photon dark matter, enhancing detection method understanding.

Findings

Single axion-photon transition rate is amplified by cavity quality factor Q.

Dark matter coherence is unnecessary during measurement.

Analysis includes dark photon dark matter scenarios.

Abstract

When axion cold dark matter interacts with a static magnetic field, it can be converted to photons with energy near the axion's mass. Classical analysis shows that incorporating a resonant cavity significantly enhances this conversion rate, forming the basis for many experiments aimed at detecting dark matter axions. However, one might ask: Does the axion-photon conversion rate increase for a single axion-photon transition? Answering this question could lead to optimizing the search for axions by integrating quantum measurement techniques. In this paper, we demonstrate that at the quantum level, single axion-photon transitions are amplified by the cavity quality factor $Q$. Furthermore, the coherence of dark matter waves is unnecessary during the measurement. The underlying principle is similar to the Purcell effect. Additionally, we provide an analysis of the scenario involving dark photon dark matter.