Non-magnetic glass-fiber cryostat for MADMAX prototype tests

TL;DR

This paper presents a cost-effective, easy-to-operate glass-fiber cryostat designed for MADMAX axion dark matter experiments, enabling low-temperature testing and calibration in magnetic fields, with potential applications beyond MADMAX.

Contribution

Introduction of a novel G-10 glass-fiber cryostat for MADMAX, allowing efficient low-temperature operation and calibration in magnetic fields at reduced costs.

Findings

Cryostat cooled MADMAX prototype below 10 K for over 24 hours.

First calibration of booster response at cryogenic temperatures.

Successful dark matter axion search in a magnetic field at low temperatures.

Abstract

MADMAX, an axion dark matter search experiment, is currently in the prototype testing phase. Its working principle is based on the conversion of axions in a magnetic field into photons. This signal is then enhanced by a booster made of dielectric disks placed in front of a mirror. In order to test MADMAX prototypes at cryogenic temperatures in a magnetic field parallel to the disks, a new G-10 glass-fiber cryostat of 0.06 m$^3$ inner volume was designed, tested and used in a CERN magnet. The design allows to minimise cost as well as cooling down and warming up times. Using continuous circulation flow of gaseous helium, the MADMAX prototype was cooled down reproducibly to temperatures below 10 K for more than 24 hours. This procedure allowed, for the first time, to perform a calibration of the booster response and to run a dark matter axion search in a magnetic field at low temperatures. This novel type of cryostat, with a low manufacturing cost, fast and easy to operate, could be used for other purposes beyond MADMAX.