Search for sub-eV scalar and pseudoscalar resonances via four-wave mixing with a laser collider

Abstract

Quasi-parallel photon–photon scattering by combining two-color laser fields is an approach to producing resonant states of low-mass fields in the laboratory. In this system resonances can be probed via the four-wave mixing process in the vacuum. A search for scalar and pseudoscalar fields was performed by combining a 9.3μJ/0.9 ps Ti-sapphire laser and a 100μJ/9 ns Nd:YAG laser. No significant signal of four-wave mixing was observed. We provide the upper limits on the coupling–mass relation for scalar and pseudoscalar fields, respectively, at a 95% confidence level in the mass region below 0.15 eV.