GHz Gravitational Wave and THz Dark Matter Detectors: Analysis and Simulation

Gravitational waves have been directly detected at sub-kHz frequencies. Detecting high-frequency gravitational waves (HFGWs) encounters challenges due to smaller interferometers and weaker astrophysical sources. A promising homodyne detector utilizes the inverse Gertsenshtein effect, where HFGWs convert to photons in a magnetic field. A physical analysis highlights intrinsic noise and other complications. Dark matter (DM) axions can similarly be detected through the inverse Primakoff effect. Although not directly detected yet, axions are anticipated to produce stronger coherent signals and would additionally solve the strong charge-parity problem in QCD. Current detection mechanisms struggle at THz frequencies due to complex mechanical tuning and a lack of low-loss THz materials. The proposed THz-Radiometer for AXions (T-RAx) leverages recent advancements in semiconductor quantum structures, with electromagnetically tunable resonance frequencies, to target the THz (meV) axion. COMSOL simulations show significant enhancements of the axion-induced photons, optimistically reaching the QCD axion parameter space.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Engineering

Grantor

Rice University

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Mehrani, Jaanita

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Huang, Shengxi
• Kono, Junichiro

• high frequency gravitational waves
• dark matter
• axion
• quantum materials
• multiple quantum wells
• epsilon-near-zero
• plasmonic metamaterials

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1911/118664

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.rice.edu:1911/118664