Search of axions from a nuclear power reactor with a high-purity germanium detector

Abstract

This article reports the first study of possible emissions of axions from power reactors using Primakoff and Compton conversions as the detection mechanisms. The expected experimental signatures are mono-energetic lines produced by their Primakoff or Compton conversions at a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. No evidence of axion emissions were observed and constraints on axion couplings versus axion mass within the framework of invisible axion models were placed. This experimental approach provides a unique probe for axion mass at the keV-MeV range not accessible to the other techniques.