Axion-like relics: new constraints from old comagnetometer data

Abstract The noble-alkali comagnetometer, developed in recent years, has been shown to be a very accurate measuring device of anomalous magnetic-like fields. An ultra-light relic axion-like particle can source an anomalous field that permeates space, allowing for its detection by comagnetometers. He...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Itay M. Bloch, Yonit Hochberg, Eric Kuflik, Tomer Volansky
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2020-01-01
Series:Journal of High Energy Physics
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP01(2020)167
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Summary:Abstract The noble-alkali comagnetometer, developed in recent years, has been shown to be a very accurate measuring device of anomalous magnetic-like fields. An ultra-light relic axion-like particle can source an anomalous field that permeates space, allowing for its detection by comagnetometers. Here we derive new constraints on relic axion-like particles interaction with neutrons and electrons from old comagnetometer data. We show that the decade-old experimental data place the most stringent terrestrial constraints to date on ultra-light axion-like particles coupled to neutrons. The constraints are comparable to those from stellar cooling, providing a complementary probe. Future planned improvements of comagnetometer measurements through altered geometry, constituent content and data analysis techniques could enhance the sensitivity to axion-like relics coupled to nucleons or electrons by many orders of magnitude.
ISSN:1029-8479