High Energy Physics Seminar
In this talk, I will discuss two new and closely related experimental observables designed to search for the QCD axion. These observables are based on piezoelectric materials that spontaneously break parity symmetry, therefore enabling sensitivity to the axion's fundamental, model independent coupling to gluons. The first of these explores how QCD axion dark matter could generate an oscillating mechanical stress in a piezoelectric crystal. This stress can be read out via the piezoelectric effect, probing a mass range from 10^-11eV to 10^-7eV. The second experiment uses a piezoelectric crystal to generate virtual QCD axions in the laboratory, giving rise to a new force. These axion-mediated forces could be detected via nuclear magnetic resonance techniques, spanning a mass range for the axion from 10^-5 eV to 10^-2 eV. I will give examples of experimental setups for each of these new observables based on established technology, and discuss their potential reach and future challenges.
The talk is in 469 Lauritsen.
Contact [email protected] for Zoom link.