Development of the Magnetic Shielding and Rotational Stability Apparatus for use in the ARIADNE Project

The QCD axion is a particle that is postulated to solve the Strong-CP problem, but also could account for all of the Dark Matter currently being observed in the Universe. Our group is involved in developing an experiment with the goal of detecting the QCD Axion. The Axion Resonant InterAction DetectioN Experiment (ARIADNE) aims to accomplish this goal by using a resonantly enhanced technique to test for new spin-dependent forces, which are short range in nature. Thus the sample mass is modulated on resonance near a sample of Helium-3 needs to be highly stable. The goal is to measure a spin-mass interaction produced by the axion particle. The experiment employs a rotary stage mechanism to modulate the interaction, which requires rotational speed stability and low vibration. Also, superconducting magnetic shielding is required to screen the sample from ordinary magnetic field noise. The purpose of this thesis is to develop the rotation stability stage and magnetic shielding. In doing so, we were able to develop and test the efficacy of the interferometer system that monitors the motion of the mass, and the ability to produce a drive shaft with a high degree of straightness. The shielding factor of the superconducting shield was modeled and tested for specific geometries; we did demonstrate that a shielding factor of 10⁸ is achievable.

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's Degree

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Dargert, Jordan E.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Geraci, Andrew A.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Weinstein, Jonathan
• Chidambaram, Dev

• Axion
• Dark Matter
• Magnetic Shielding
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
• Rotational Stability
• Superconducting

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11714/3441

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarwolf.unr.edu:11714/3441