Speaker
Description
The search for axion-like particles (ALPs) and other weakly interacting states remains an important problem in particle astrophysics. One possible production mechanism is the Primakoff effect, where photons can convert into weakly interacting particles in the presence of an external magnetic field.
In this work, we investigate whether a photon beam passing through a magnetic field can lead to measurable changes in the decay spectrum of $^{241}$Am. The idea is that particles produced in the magnetic field may interact with the radioactive source and induce small deviations in the observed gamma-ray spectrum.
The experimental setup consists of a photon beam propagating through a magnetic cavity, followed by a $^{241}$Am source. Data are collected in two configurations: a “light” mode (sP), where the beam passes through the magnetic field, and a “dark” mode (sD), where the beam is blocked. A differential comparison between these two modes is used to search for possible effects associated with photon–magnetic field interactions.
The measurements are performed using a CeBr$_3$ detector, which provides improved energy resolution and lower background. This allows for a more precise study of the 59.54 keV gamma line and makes it possible to probe small differences in the spectrum.
Preliminary results from ongoing measurements show indications of small differences between the two modes. Further analysis is in progress to evaluate their statistical significance and to study their dependence on magnetic field orientation. This approach provides a controlled way to test photon–magnetic field coupling and its possible connection to weakly interacting particles such as ALPs.
