Modeling and Proof-of-Concept of a Blackbody-Based Calibration Method in the InfraBREAD Detector

Journal Article · Sat Oct 05 04:00:00 EDT 2024 · TBD

OSTI ID:2468758

Rao, Shardul ^[1]; Knirck, Stefan ^[2]

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1. Fermilab; Minnesota U.
2. Fermilab

The Broadband Reflector Experiment for Axion Detection (BREAD) is an ongoing collaboration searching for the conversion of yet undiscovered axion-like dark matter particles to photons in the presence of a magnetic field. InfraBREAD, a pilot experiment realization of BREAD, uses a superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPD), a high-efficiency and low-noise device, to specifically detect infrared-range photons produced by $$\mathcal{O}$$(eV) axion-like particles. The unique BREAD coaxial reflector setup allows for the focusing of converted signal photons to a 1mm $$\times$$ 1mm SNSPD. However, when the detector is cooled to cryogenic temperatures during operation, uneven thermal contraction of reflector components may lead to a small shift in the location of the focal spot. A novel calibration method using blackbody radiation is proposed to locate the true focal spot of the detector \textit{in situ}. Through ray tracing simulations done in FRED Optical Engineering Software, this method is demonstrated to locate the focus to within $$\SI{50}{\micro\metre}$$ in the axial dimension. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the blackbody photon source used in this calibration must be at a temperature of at least $$\SI{15}{\kelvin}$$ to $$\SI{40}{\kelvin}$$, depending on the sensitivity of the SNSPD.

• Research Organization: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, IL (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Science (SC), High Energy Physics (HEP) (SC-25)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-07CH11359
• OSTI ID: 2468758
• Report Number(s): FERMILAB-PUB-24-0395-STUDENT; oai:inspirehep.net:2837114
• Journal Information: TBD, Journal Name: TBD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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