arXiv subjects

Qiaoli Yang

Publications and source records attributed to Qiaoli Yang.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Muonium Spectroscopy as a Quantum Sensor for Ultralight Axion Dark Matter

High-intensity muon beams could enable a Muonium-based Axion Search through resonant quantum transitions between Hyperfine states (MASH). Combining theoretical calculations with simulation results, we demonstrate that such a muonium-based experimental approach could complement and tighten constraints on the axion-muon coupling beyond existing limits from the muon $g\!-\!2$ measurement, over the axion mass range of 18--130 $μ$eV. These results establish a new spectroscopic channel in muonium that enables searches for axion and axion-like particle dark matter.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2026

Parametric-Resonance Production of QCD Axions

Dark matter axion production can be significantly enhanced through a generic cosmological mechanism: primordial temperature fluctuations periodically modulate the axion mass during the QCD phase transition, thereby triggering parametric resonance in axion field evolution. This interplay between the resonance and the misalignment mechanism moves the predicted axion mass window for the observed dark matter abundance to $10^{-4}-10^{-3} \, \text{eV}$, shifting the preferred mass to previously unexplored higher ranges.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Generation of axions and axion-like particles through mass parametric resonance induced by scalar perturbations in the early universe

Axions and axion-like particles can be generated in the early universe through mechanisms such as misalignment production, thermal processes, and the decay of topological defects. In this study, we show that scalar perturbations in the early universe can produce a significant amount of these particles primarily through mass parametric resonance effects. Scalar perturbations induce temperature fluctuations during the particle mass transition era, e.g., during the QCD phase transition. These temperature fluctuations modulate the particle mass, transferring energy into the field through parametric mass resonance, a nonlinear process. This mechanism exhibits substantially unstable regions that could lead to explosive particle production. Notably, it does not generate additional isocurvature perturbations.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Dual axion-like field inflation

Cosmic inflation is one of the most important paradigms in modern cosmology. In its simplest form, inflation is driven by a single inflaton field. However, multi-field inflation has become increasingly attractive because it can solve many theoretical and observational challenges. In this paper, we propose a particular model involving two axion-like fields with simply monodromy-dominated potentials. We demonstrate that this model is consistent with current cosmological observations.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

Classical Analysis of Non-Coherent Dark Matter to Photon Conversion in a Resonant Cavity

Both axion and dark photon dark matter are among the most promising candidates of dark matter. What we know with some confidence is that they exhibit a small velocity distribution $δv\lesssim v\sim 10^{-3}$c. In addition, their mass is small, resulting in a long de Broglie wavelength and a high particle number density. Their phase space distribution contains many uncertainties, so they could give rise to either a coherent or noncoherent wave on the laboratory scale. In this paper, we demonstrated that a resonant cavity can enhance noncoherent axion-to-photon or dark photon-to-photon transitions, and the resulting power is the same as in the coherence case. The classical picture explanation is that a cavity can resonant with multiple different sources simultaneously. This aligns with the quantum perspective, where the cavity boosts dark matter particles transitioning into photons similarly to the Purcell effect. This effect increases the density of states near resonance, regardless of the coherence nature of dark matter. Certainly, the induced microwave signals in a cavity are also non-coherent, and in such case, a single-photon readout may be required.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Exploring Quantum Aspects of Dark Matter Axions and Dark Photons Transitioning to Photons in a Resonant Cavity

When axion cold dark matter interacts with a static magnetic field, it can be converted to photons with energy near the axion's mass. Classical analysis shows that incorporating a resonant cavity significantly enhances this conversion rate, forming the basis for many experiments aimed at detecting dark matter axions. However, one might ask: Does the axion-photon conversion rate increase for a single axion-photon transition? Answering this question could lead to optimizing the search for axions by integrating quantum measurement techniques. In this paper, we demonstrate that at the quantum level, single axion-photon transitions are amplified by the cavity quality factor $Q$. Furthermore, the coherence of dark matter waves is unnecessary during the measurement. The underlying principle is similar to the Purcell effect. Additionally, we provide an analysis of the scenario involving dark photon dark matter.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Search for QCD Axions in light of String Theory

The QCD axion stands as one of the most promising candidates for resolving the strong CP problem. However, the value of the axion's decay constant $f_a$ and, by extension, its mass $m_a$, remain uncertain within the framework of effective field theory, posing a challenge for experimental detection. Fortunately, fields such as cosmology and astrophysics can offer crucial clues about potential mass ranges. Additionally, string theory and the more recent swampland principles might shed some light on the subject. The most straightforward string theory compactifications suggest that $f_a$ is around the GUT scale, leading to a quantum abundance of dark matter. We found that this range can be detected through hydrogen atomic transitions. The recent concept of the dark dimension scenario introduces an alternative possibility. If axions are confined to the four-dimensional Standard Model brane, their decay constant $f_a$ would be on the order of $10^{10}$ GeV. In this scenario, where axions constitute only a minor portion of dark matter, we show that a laser-interferometry setup would be an effective detection method.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Quantum dual-path interferometry scheme for axion dark matter searches

Exploring the mysterious dark matter is a key quest in modern physics. Currently, detecting axions, a hypothetical particle proposed as a primary component of dark matter, remains a significant challenge due to their weakly interacting nature. Here we show at quantum level that in a cavity permeated by a magnetic field, the single axion-photon conversion rate is enhanced by the cavity quality factor and is quantitatively larger than the classical result by $π/2$. The axion cavity can be considered a quantum device emitting single photons with temporal separations. This differs from the classical picture and reveals a possibility for the axion cavity experiment to handle the signal sensitivity at the quantum level, e.g., a dual path quantum interferometry with cross-power and second-order correlation measurements. This scheme would greatly reduce the signal scanning time and improve the sensitivity of the axion-photon coupling, potentially leading to the direct observation of axions.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Listening for echo from the stimulated axion decay with the 21 CentiMeter Array

The axion is a hypothetical elementary particle that could solve the long-standing strong CP problem in particle physics and the dark matter mystery in the cosmos. Due to the stimulation of the ambient photons, the axion dark matter decay into photons is significantly enhanced so that its echo signal could be detected by terrestrial telescopes. As a pathfinder, we study the expected sensitivity of searching for the axion dark matter in the mass range between $0.41$ and $1.6μ\text{eV}$ with the 21 CentiMeter Array (21CMA). We aim to cover the whole 21CMA frequency range in two years by using a 1MW emitter. We find that the resulting sensitivity on the axion-photon coupling could surpass other existing limits by about one order of magnitude.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Dark photon constraints from a 7.139 GHz cavity haloscope experiment

The dark photon is a promising candidate for the dark matter which comprises most of the matter in our visible Universe. Via kinetic mixing with the Standard Model it can also be resonantly converted to photons in an electromagnetic cavity, offering novel experimental possibilities for the discovery and study of dark matter. We report the results of a pathfinder dark photon dark matter cavity search experiment performed at Hunan Normal University and the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, representing the first stage of the APEX (Axion and dark Photon EXperiment) program. Finding no statistically significant excess, we place an upper limit on the kinetic mixing parameter $|χ|<3.7\times 10^{-13}$ around $m_A\simeq 29.5$ $μ$eV at 90% confidence level. This result exceeds other constraints on dark photon dark matter in this frequency range by roughly an order of magnitude.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2024

Broadband Dark Matter Axion Detection using a Cylindrical Capacitor

Cosmological axions/axion-like particles can compose a significant part of dark matter; however, the uncertainty of their mass is large. Here, we propose to search the axions using a cylindrical capacitor, in which the static electric field converts dark matter axions into an oscillating magnetic field. Due to the odd CPs, the axions couple to the electric field differently compared to the magnetic field. The axion couples to the electric field via a derivative that carries spatial information of incoming dark matter flux, while the coupling to the magnetic field depends on the dark matter density. This difference could be helpful in searching the axions and studies of the integrity of the theory, especially when the axions are very light, in which case the magnetic field-induced signal is DC-like. Orientation dependence could also be used to reduce the kinetic fluctuation-induced noise when multiple detectors operate simultaneously. In addition, a cylindrical setup shields the electric field to the laboratory and encompasses the axion-induced magnetic field within the capacitor. The induced oscillating magnetic field can then be picked up by a sensitive magnetometer. Adding a superconductor ring-coil system into the scheme can further boost the sensitivity and maintain the axion dark matter inherent bandwidth. This proposed setup could be capable of wide mass range searches.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Calibration of the Cryogenic Measurement System of a Resonant Haloscope Cavity

Possible light bosonic dark matter interactions with the Standard Model photon have been searched by microwave resonant cavities. In this paper, we demonstrate the cryogenic readout system calibration of a 7.138 GHz copper cavity with a loaded quality factor $Q_l=10^4$, operated at 22 mK temperature based on a dilution refrigerator. Our readout system consists of High Electron Mobility Transistors as cryogenic amplifiers at 4 K, plus room-temperature amplifiers and a spectrum analyzer for signal power detection. We test the system with a superconducting two-level system as a single-photon source in the microwave frequency regime and report an overall 95.6 dB system gain and -71.4 dB attenuation in the cavity's input channel. The effective noise temperature of the measurement system is 7.5 K.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2024

Detecting Quadratically Coupled Ultra-light Dark Matter with Stimulated Annihilation

Ultra-light Dark Matter (ULDM) is one of the most promising DM candidates. Due to the Bose enhancement, we find the annihilation rate of the ULDM in the presence of background photon radiation can be greatly enhanced and produce a distinctive reflected electromagnetic wave with an angular frequency equal to the ULDM mass. We propose to utilize such stimulated annihilation to probe the ULDM with the electromagnetic quadratic coupling by emitting a beam of radio into space. With a power of 50 MW emitter, we forecast the sensitivity of quadratic coupling in different local halo models for low-frequency radio telescopes, such as LOFAR, UTR-2 and ngLOBO.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Probing Dark Matter Axions using the Hyperfine Structure Splitting of Hydrogen Atoms

QCD axions can be a substantial part of dark matter if their mass $m_a\sim10^{-5}$eV. Since the axions were created by the misalignment mechanism, their local energy spectrum density is large. Consequently, the axion-induced atomic transition rate is enhanced if the atomic energy gap matches the axion mass. The hyperfine splitting between the spin 0 singlet ground state and the spin 1 triplet state of hydrogen is $0.59\times10^{-5}$eV, which is close to the preferred mass of dark matter axions. With an energy gap adjustment by applying a weak Zeeman magnetic field, dark matter axions can induce atomic hydrogen transitions. Furthermore, because the total spins of the hydrogen triplet and singlet differ, the axion-induced transitions are detectable by a Stern--Gerlach apparatus or a sensitive magnetic field detector. A potential realization of the proposed scheme can be similar to existing hydrogen masers.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Light Dark Matter Axion Detection with Static Electric Field

We explore the axionic dark matter search sensitivity with a narrow-band detection scheme aiming at the axion-photon conversion by the static electric field inside a cylindrical capacitor. An alternating magnetic field signal is induced by effective currents as the axion dark matter flows perpendicularly through the electric field. At low axion masses, like in a KKLT scenario, front-end narrow band filtering is provided by using LC resonance with a high $Q$ factor, which enhances the detectability of the tiny magnetic field signal and also leads to a thermal noise as the major background that can be reduced at cryogenic conditions. We demonstrate that high $g_{aγ}$ sensitivity can be achieved by using a strong electric field. The QCD axion theoretical parameter space can be reached with high $E\sim$ GVm$^{-1}$ field strength. Using the static electric field scheme essentially avoids exposing the sensitive superconducting pickup to an applied laboratory magnetic field.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

The Minimal UV-induced Effective QCD Axion Theory

The characteristic axion couplings could be generated via effective couplings between the Standard Model (SM) fermions to a pseudo-Goldstone from a high-scale $U(1)$ Peccei-Quinn (PQ) symmetry breaking. Assuming that the UV-induced effective operators generate necessary couplings before the PQ symmetry breaking, and any low-scale couplings to the SM are restricted to the Yukawa sector, three minimal natural scenarios can be formulated, which provides a connection between the QCD-axions and mediators at the GUT/string scales. We find that the PQ symmetry breaking scale could be about $10^{15}$ GeV, higher than the classical QCD dark matter axion window but possible if the anthropic window is considered. We also propose an experiment to probe such scenarios. If the dark matter axion is discovered, they might suggest that we live in an atypical Hubble volume.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

A detailed exploration of the EDGES 21 cm absorption anomaly and axion-induced cooling

The EDGES collaboration's observation of an anomalously strong 21 cm absorption feature around the cosmic dawn era has energised the cosmological community by suggesting a novel signature of dark matter in the cooling of cosmic hydrogen. In a recent letter we have argued that by virtue of the ability to mediate cooling processes whilst in the condensed phase, a small amount of axion dark matter can explain these observations within the context of standard models of axions and axion-like particles. These axions and axion-like particles (ALPs) can thermalize through gravitational self-interactions and so eventually form a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC), whereupon large-scale long-range correlation can produce experimentally observable signals such as these. In this context the EDGES best-fit result favours an axion-like-particle mass in the (6, 400) meV range. Future experiments and galaxy surveys, particularly the International Axion Observatory (IAXO) and EUCLID, should have the capability to directly test this scenario. In this paper, we will explore this mechanism in detail and give more thorough computational details of certain key points.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2019

Cosmic Microwave Background Dipole Asymmetry could be explained by Axion Monodromy Cosmic Strings

Observations by the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe and the Planck mission suggest a hemispherical power amplitude asymmetry in the cosmic microwave background, with a correlation length on the order of the size of the observable Universe. We find that this anomaly can be naturally explained by an axion-like particle (ALP) cosmic string formed near our visible Universe. The field variation associated to this cosmic string creates particle density fluctuations after inflation, which consequently decay into radiation before the Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) era and resulted in the observed power asymmetry. We find in this scenario that the hemispherical power amplitude asymmetry is strongly scale dependent: $A(k)\propto {\rm exp}(-kl)/k$. Admittedly, typical inflation models predict a relic number density of topological defects of order one per observable Universe and so in our model the cosmic string must be tuned to have an impact factor of order $1/H_0$. Interestingly, the constraints based on purely cosmological considerations also give rise to a Peccei-Quinn scale $F_a$ of order $10^3$ larger then the Hubble scale of inflation $H_I$. Assuming $H_I\sim 10^{13}$GeV, we then have an ALP with $F_a\sim 10^{16}$GeV, which coincides with the presumed scale of grand unification. As we require ALP decays occur before the BBN era, which implies a relatively heavy mass or strong self-coupling, and considering that the associated potential should break the shift symmetry softly in order to protect the system from radiative corrections, we also conclude that the required ALP potential should be monodromic in nature.

astro-ph.CO↗