First results from BRASS-p broadband searches for hidden photon dark matter

Abstract

We discuss first results from hidden photon dark matter searches made with a prototype of the Broadband Radiometric Axion/ALPs Search Setup (BRASS-p) in the range of particle mass of 49.63 μeV to 74.44 μeV (frequency range of 12 GHz to 18 GHz). The conceptual design of BRASS and a detailed description of its present prototype, BRASS-p, are given, with a view of the potential application of such setups to hidden photon, axion, and axion-like particle (ALP) dark matter searches using heterodyne detectors in the range of particle mass from 40 μeV to 4000 μeV (10 GHz to 1 THz). Pioneering measurements made with BRASS-p achieve the record sensitivity of (0.3-1.0) × 10-13 to the kinetic mixing between the normal and hidden photons, assuming the dark matter is made entirely of unpolarized hidden photons. Based on these results, a discussion of further prospects for dark matter searches using the BRASS-p apparatus is presented.