One-Electron Quantum Cyclotron as a Milli-eV Dark-Photon Detector

Xing Fan, Gerald Gabrielse, Peter W. Graham, Roni Harnik, Thomas G. Myers, Harikrishnan Ramani, Benedict A.D. Sukra, Samuel S.Y. Wong, Yawen Xiao

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We propose using trapped electrons as high-Q resonators for detecting meV dark photon dark matter. When the rest energy of the dark photon matches the energy splitting of the two lowest cyclotron levels, the first excited state of the electron cyclotron will be resonantly excited. A proof-of-principle measurement, carried out with one electron, demonstrates that the method is background free over a 7.4 day search. It sets a limit on dark photon dark matter at 148 GHz (0.6 meV) that is around 75 times better than previous constraints. Dark photon dark matter in the 0.1-1 meV mass range (20-200 GHz) could likely be detected at a similar sensitivity in an apparatus designed for dark photon detection.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number261801
JournalPhysical review letters
Volume129
Issue number26
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 23 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'One-Electron Quantum Cyclotron as a Milli-eV Dark-Photon Detector'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this