Axion dark matter detection via shift current

Abstract

We propose a novel method to detect axion dark matter based on a topological phenomenon known as the shift current. We make use of the second-order nonlinearity of the shift current by applying a strong oscillating electric field. This field enhances the axion-induced shift current signal and downconverts its frequency to a more accessible range. The nondissipative nature of the shift current allows us to achieve broadband detection via difference frequency generation. We demonstrate the possibility of probing QCD axions and axion-like particles using the properties of the type-I Weyl semimetal TaAs, targeting an axion mass of $O(10)\mathrm{meV}$, corresponding to a photon coupling of $g_{a\gamma \gamma }\simeq \mathcal{O}(10^{-11}){\mathrm{GeV}}^{-1}$.

Accepted for publication in Physical Review D