Sensitivity of Proposed Search for Axion-induced Magnetic Field using Optically Pumped Magnetometers

We investigate a search for the oscillating current induced by axion dark matter in an external magnetic field using optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs). This experiment is based upon the LC circuit axion detection concept of Sikivie, Sullivan, and Tanner. The modification of Maxwell's equations caused by the axion-photon coupling results in a minute oscillating magnetic field at the frequency equal to the axion mass in the presence of magnetic field. This induced magnetic field could be searched for using an LC circuit amplifier with an OPM, the most sensitive cryogen-free magnetic-field sensor, in a room temperature experiment, avoiding the need for a complicated and expensive cryogenic system. We estimate that an existing detection setup optimized for magnetic resonance imaging is sensitive to an axion-photon coupling of $10^{-7}$ GeV$^{-1}$ for an axion mass near $3\times10^{-10}$ eV. While this is ruled out by limits from astrophysics and solar axion searches, realistic modifications and optimization of the proposed experimental setup can set a new limit on the axion-photon coupling up to three orders of magnitude beyond the current best limit, for axion masses between $10^{-11}$ eV and $10^{-7}$ eV, without a cryogenic system.