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Lehnert, K. W.

Publications and source records attributed to Lehnert, K. W..

Protecting backaction-evading measurements from parametric instability

Noiseless measurement of a single quadrature in systems of parametrically coupled oscillators is theoretically possible by pumping at the sum and difference frequencies of the two oscillators, realizing a backaction-evading (BAE) scheme. Although this would hold true in the simplest scenario for a system with pure three-wave mixing, implementations of this scheme are hindered by unwanted higher-order parametric processes that destabilize the system and add noise. We show analytically that detuning the two pumps from the sum and difference frequencies can stabilize the system and fully recover the BAE performance, enabling operation at otherwise inaccessible cooperativities. We also show that the acceleration demonstrated in a weak-signal-detection experiment [Jiang , PRX Quantum 4, 020302 (2023)] was only achievable because of this detuning technique.

Ruddy, E. P.↗

Axion Dark Matter

Axions are well-motivated dark matter candidates with simple cosmological production mechanisms. They were originally introduced to solve the strong CP problem, but also arise in a wide range of extensions to the Standard Model. This Snowmass white paper summarizes axion phenomenology and outlines next-generation laboratory experiments proposed to detect axion dark matter. There are vibrant synergies with astrophysical searches and advances in instrumentation including quantum-enabled readout, high-Q resonators and cavities and large high-field magnets. This white paper outlines a clear roadmap to discovery, and shows that the US is well-positioned to be at the forefront of the search for axion dark matter in the coming decade.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Design and operational experience of a microwave cavity axion detector for the 20 – 100 μ eV range

We describe a dark matter axion detector designed, constructed, and operated both as an innovation platform for new cavity and amplifier technologies and as a data pathfinder in the 5-25 GHz range (~20-100 eV). The platform is small but flexible to facilitate the development of new microwave cavity and amplifier concepts in an operational environment. The experiment has recently completed its first data production; it is the first microwave cavity axion search to deploy a Josephson parametric amplifier and a dilution refrigerator to achieve near-quantum limited performance.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

First Results from a Microwave Cavity Axion Search at 24 μ eV

In this paper, we report on the first results from a new microwave cavity search for dark matter axions with masses above 20 μ eV . We exclude axion models with two-photon coupling g a γ γ ≳ 2 × 10 - 14 GeV - 1 over the range 23.55 < m a < 24.0 μ eV . These results represent two important achievements. First, we have reached cosmologically relevant sensitivity an order of magnitude higher in mass than any existing limits. Second and finally, by incorporating a dilution refrigerator and Josephson parametric amplifier, we have demonstrated total noise approaching the standard quantum limit for the first time in an axion search.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗