Martyn Davenport

An improved limit on the axion–photon coupling from the CAST experiment

We have searched for solar axions or similar particles that couple to two photons by using the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) setup with improved conditions in all detectors. From the absence of excess X-rays when the magnet was pointing to the Sun, we set an upper limit on the axion-photon coupling of 8.8 x 10^{-11} GeV^{-1} at 95% CL for m_a<~ 0.02 eV. This result is the best experimental limit over a broad range of axion masses and for m_a<~ 0.02 eV also supersedes the previous limit derived from energy-loss arguments on globular-cluster stars.

Towards a new generation axion helioscope

We study the feasibility of a new generation axion helioscope, the most ambitious and promising detector of solar axions to date. We show that large improvements in magnetic field volume, x-ray focusing optics and detector backgrounds are possible beyond those achieved in the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST). For hadronic models, a sensitivity to the axion-photon coupling of gaγ few × 10−12 GeV−1 is conceivable, 1–1.5 orders of magnitude beyond the CAST sensitivity. If axions also couple to electrons, the Sun produces a larger flux for the same value of the Peccei-Quinn scale, allowing one to probe a broader class of models. Except for the axion dark matter searches, this experiment will be the most sensitive axion search ever, reaching or surpassing the stringent bounds from SN1987A and possibly testing the axion interpretation of anomalous white-dwarf cooling that predicts ma of a few meV. Beyond axions, this new instrument will probe entirely unexplored ranges of parameters for a large variety of axion-like particles (ALPs) and other novel excitations at the low-energy frontier of elementary particle physics.

Conceptual design of the International Axion Observatory (IAXO)

The International Axion Observatory (IAXO) will be a forth generation axion helioscope. As its primary physics goal, IAXO will look for axions or axion-like particles (ALPs) originating in the Sun via the Primakoff conversion of the solar plasma photons. In terms of signal-to-noise ratio, IAXO will be about 4–5 orders of magnitude more sensitive than CAST, currently the most powerful axion helioscope, reaching sensitivity to axion-photon couplings down to a few × 10−12 GeV−1 and thus probing a large fraction of the currently unexplored axion and ALP parameter space. IAXO will also be sensitive to solar axions produced by mechanisms mediated by the axion-electron coupling gae with sensitivity — for the first time — to values of gae not previously excluded by astrophysics. With several other possible physics cases, IAXO has the potential to serve as a multi-purpose facility for generic axion and ALP research in the next decade. In this paper we present the conceptual design of IAXO, which follows the layout of an enhanced axion helioscope, based on a purpose-built 20 m-long 8-coils toroidal superconducting magnet. All the eight 60cm-diameter magnet bores are equipped with focusing x-ray optics, able to focus the signal photons into ~ 0.2 cm2 spots that are imaged by ultra-low-background Micromegas x-ray detectors. The magnet is built into a structure with elevation and azimuth drives that will allow for solar tracking for ~ 12 h each day.

The Barrel Ring Imaging Cherenkov counter of DELPHI

Abstract A short explanation is given of the Barrel Ring Imaging CHerenkov (BRICH) detector and its performance. We discuss in brief some of the requirements to run this detector. Special attention is paid to the functioning of the Cherenkov photon detector — a photosensitive gas-filled drift chamber where the photoelectrons drift to a MWPC of special construction. We illustrate the BRICH performance with some preliminary results.

The x-ray telescope of CAST

The CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) has been in operation and taking data since 2003. The main objective of the CAST experiment is to search for a hypothetical pseudoscalar boson, the axion, which might be produced in the core of the sun. The basic physics process CAST is based on is the time inverted Primakoff effect, by which an axion can be converted into a detectable photon in an external electromagnetic field. The resulting x-ray photons are expected to be thermally distributed between 1 and 7 keV. The most sensitive detector system of CAST is a pn-CCD detector combined with a Wolter I type x-ray mirror system. With the x-ray telescope of CAST a background reduction of more than 2 orders of magnitude is achieved, such that for the first time the axion photon coupling constant gaγγ can be probed beyond the best astrophysical constraints gaγγ < 1 × 10−10 GeV−1.

Final tests of the CsI-based Ring Imaging Detector for the ALICE experiment

We report on the final tests performed on a CsI-based RICH detector equipped with 2 C6F14 radiator trays and 4 photocathodes, each of 6438 cm 2 area. The overall performance of the detector is described, using different gas mixtures, in view of optimizing the photoelectron yield and the pad occupancy. Test results under magnetic field up to 0.9 T, photocathode homogeneity and stability are presented.

The quest for axions and other new light particles

Standard Model extensions often predict low-mass and very weakly interacting particles, such as the axion. A number of small-scale experiments at the intensity/precision frontier are actively searching for these elusive particles, complementing searches for physics beyond the Standard Model at colliders. Whilst a next generation of experiments will give access to a huge unexplored parameter space, a discovery would have a tremendous impact on our understanding of fundamental physics.

VUV absorbing vapours in n-perfluorocarbons

The optical transparency of perfluorocarbons used as Cherenkov media is of prime importance to many Ring Imaging Cherenkov detectors. We will in this paper show that the main photon absorbers in these fluids are hydrocarbons with double or triple bonds. We will moreover discuss a process which can eliminate these pollutants and restore the intrinsic excellent optical transparency of these fluids in the VUV range.

The CAST time projection chamber

One of the three x-ray detectors of the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) experiment searching for solar axions is a time projection chamber (TPC) with a multi-wire proportional counter (MWPC) as a readout structure. Its design has been optimized to provide high sensitivity to the detection of the low intensity x-ray signal expected in the CAST experiment. A low hardware threshold of 0.8?keV is set to a safe level during normal data taking periods, and the overall efficiency for the detection of photons coming from conversion of solar axions is 62%. Shielding has been installed around the detector, lowering the background level to 4.10 ? 10?5?counts?cm?2?s?1?keV?1 between 1 and 10?keV. During phase I of the CAST experiment the TPC has provided robust and stable operation, thus contributing with a competitive result to the overall CAST limit on axion?photon coupling and mass.

The design of the optical components and gas control systems of the CERN Omega ring imaging Cherenkov detector

Abstract A large ring imaging Cherenkov detector (RICH) has been commissioned for use at the CERN Omega spectrometer. In the first of a series of reports we begin by discussing the general design of the device and illustrate the dependence of the attainable spatial resolution and range of particle identification on its optical parameters. We then describe in detail the construction and performance of the major optical components and gas systems of the detector.