- Accepted Paper
NbSn superconducting microwave cavity tunable over 1 GHz for dark-matter searches
Phys. Rev. Applied - Accepted 9 October, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/k4tb-q2pd
Phys. Rev. Applied - Accepted 9 October, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/k4tb-q2pd
We demonstrate a novel wide-frequency tuning mechanism for superconducting microwave cavities designed for dark matter searches. Using a NbSn-coated cigar-shaped cavity operating at approximately 9,GHz, we achieve continuous frequency tuning exceeding 1,GHz by mechanically separating the two cavity halves: a “tuning-by-opening” technique. Finite-element method simulations predict that radiative losses do not degrade the quality factor even for large openings, as a closed cavity with an intrinsic quality factor of maintains this value for apertures up to 9,mm, corresponding to a tuning range from 9.0 to 7.5,GHz. Experimental validation using both copper ring spacers and a continuous sliding mechanism confirms values exceeding the dark matter quality factor across the entire explored frequency range, despite mechanical imperfections and film non-uniformities. This tuning approach avoids inserting elements into the resonant volume, making it particularly suitable for high-Q superconducting cavities in axion haloscope experiments and readily applicable to REBCO-based implementations capable of operating in multi-tesla magnetic fields.
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