Orpheus: Extending the ADMX QCD Dark-Matter Axion Search to Higher Masses

Axions in our local dark matter halo could be detected using an apparatus consisting of a resonant microwave cavity threaded by a strong magnetic field. The ADMX experiment has recently used this technique to search for the QCD axions in the few μeV/c2 mass range. However, the ADMX search technique becomes increasingly challenging with increasing axion mass. This is because higher masses require smaller-diameter cavities, and a smaller cavity volume reduces the signal strength. Thus, there is interest in developing more sophisticated resonators to overcome this problem. We present the progress of the ADMX Orpheus prototype experiment. This uses a dielectric-loaded Fabry–Perot resonator to search for axions with masses approaching 100 μeV/c2 [1].