New Constraints on the Axion–Photon Coupling Constant for Solar Axions

Abstract

Resonance excitation of the 83Kr first nuclear level (E = 9.4 keV) by solar axions formed via the Primakoff mechanism is sought. The γ- and X-ray photons and the conversion and Auger electrons arising from the excited-level relaxation are detected with a gas proportional counter of a low-background detector in the underground Baksan Neutrino Observatory. The following experimental constraint is obtained for the product of the axion–photon coupling constant and the axion mass:|gAγ × mA| ≤ 6.3 × 10 -17 In the framework of the hadronic-axion model, this corresponds to a new axion-mass constraint of mA ≤ 12.7 eV at 95% C.L.