Search for hidden-photon dark matter with the FUNK experiment

Understand

Many extensions of the Standard Model of particle physics predict a parallel sector of a new U(1) symmetry, giving rise to hidden photons.

• These hidden photons are candidate particles for cold dark matter.
• They are expected to kinetically mix with regular photons, which leads to a tiny oscillating electric-field component accompanying dark matter particles.
• A conducting surface can convert such dark matter particles into photons which are emitted almost perpendicularly to the surface.