Speaker
Description
Dark photons are massive U(1) gauge bosons that interact with the Standard Model solely through kinetic mixing with standard photons. For sub-keV mass dark photons produced in the sun, absorption provides a possible detection channel. To maximize the detection probability, an optimal detector material needs to be identified. We develop a strategy to compare materials based on the calculation of material-independent upper limits on the absorption rate. Kramers-Kronig relations are used to derive separate upper limits for the longitudinal and transverse parts of the rate. A comparison of these limits with the expected rates for four example materials shows that 1) for dark photon masses close to the material’s plasma frequency the transverse part is the leading contribution to the rate and 2) for lower masses the longitudinal part dominates. These results can guide the selection of materials for detecting dark photons, potentially advancing detection capabilities.
