QSHS : an axion dark matter resonant search apparatus

Pashkin, Yuri and Bailey, Ian and Laird, Edward and Esmenda, Joshoua (2025) QSHS : an axion dark matter resonant search apparatus. New Journal of Physics, 27: 105002. ISSN 1367-2630

Abstract

We describe a resonant cavity search apparatus for axion dark matter constructed by the quantum sensors for the hidden sector collaboration. The apparatus is configured to search for QCD axion dark matter, though also has the capability to detect axion-like particles, dark photons, and some other forms of wave-like dark matter. Initially, a tuneable cylindrical oxygen-free copper cavity is read out using a low noise microwave amplifier feeding a heterodyne receiver. The cavity is housed in a dilution refrigerator (DF) and threaded by a solenoidal magnetic field, nominally 8 T. The apparatus also houses a magnetic field shield for housing superconducting electronics, and several other fixed-frequency resonators for use in testing and commissioning various prototype quantum electronic devices sensitive at a range of axion masses in the range 20–40 ueV c^(-2). The apparatus as currently configured is intended as a test stand for electronics over the relatively wide frequency band attainable with the cavity mode used for axion searches. We present performance data for the resonator, DF, and magnet, and plans for the first science run.