Probing eV-mass scale axions with a Micromegas detector in the CAST experiment

Understand

The CAST (CERN Axion Solar Telescope) experiment is searching for axions, an hypothetical particle that emerges as a possible solution to the well known CP violation problem in strong interactions.

• CAST is using a decommissioned LHC dipole magnet able to track the Sun as a possible source of solar axions, and to convert them to X-rays photons detectable with low background X-ray detectors.
• CAST continues its data taking period scanning masses up to 1eV.
• This thesis presents the data obtained with a Micromegas detector for the scanned axion mass range up to 0.64eV.