A cura di Giovanni Carugno (INFN)
lunedì 16 mar 2026, 14:00 → 15:00 Europe/Zurich
U1-05 (Bicocca )
Abstract: The QUest for Axion (QUAX) is a direct-detection CDM axion search which reaches the sensitivity necessary for the detection of galactic QCD-axion in the range of frequency 8.5-11 GHz. In this talk, we will report about results obtained, using a high quality factor dielectric cavity cooled at less than 100 mK inside a dilution refrigerator equipped with a 8 T magnet with a JPA and TWPA-based amplification chain for cavity signal readout, resulting in a system noise temperature at the quantum limit. Results will presented for the axion-electron and axion-photon coupling around the 10 GHz frequency range. We will also report about a side experiment aimed at increasing the scanning speed with application of transmon-based single microwave photon detectors (SMPDs) for cavity readout. This prototype haloscope we developed is based on a cylindrical copper cavity sputtered with NbTi, resonant at 7.3 GHz frequency, and cooled at mK temperatures inside a dilution refrigerator equipped with a SC magnet.
About the speaker: Giovanni Carugno is a Research Director at the INFN Sezione di Padova and a Professor at the University of Padua, recognized for his extensive contributions to fundamental physics and experimental instrumentation. As the National Coordinator for the QUAX (QUest for AXions) and AXIOMA experiments, his research focuses on the direct detection of galactic dark matter axions and the study of quantum vacuum phenomena like the Casimir Effect. He was recently awarded the 2024 Premio Giuseppe Occhialini for his innovative approaches to frontier physics, including the development of high-sensitivity haloscopes and quantum technologies.