Simulation of Axion-Induced Electromagnetic Signal Detection Using Plasmonic Metasurfaces and Diamond NV Centers

Abstract

The axion represents a strong candidate for weakly interacting dark matter. To date, high sensitivity lab based experiments and astrophysical observations have ruled out a substantial part of the axion mass and photon coupling parameter space. However, a challenge remains in searching for the presence of the axion in the higher mass range 0.01-1eV corresponding approximately to axion field oscillation at THz frequencies. This work investigates via numerical simulation the feasibility of a high sensitivity, lab-based axion sensor operating in this range, based on plasmonic electric field enhancement by a nanostructured metasurface, combined with heterodyne detection and quantum sensing via nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. Estimates of the sensor response to anomalous electromagnetic fields resulting from axion coupling are given using Ti/Au nanopillars on LiNb at axion mass corresponding to telecommunications wavelength ($\approx$0.8eV, 196 THz). Finally, the possibility of sensing in the lower axion mass $<$10$^{-2}$ to 10$^{-1}$eV range is explored using alternative materials, with CdTe as an example.