Solar axion search with the CAST experiment

Abstract

The CAST (CERN Axion Solar Telescope) experiment is searching for solar axions by their conversion into photons inside the magnet pipe of an LHC dipole. The analysis of the data recorded during the first phase of the experiment with vacuum in the magnet pipes has resulted in the most restrictive experimental limit on the coupling constant of axions to photons. In the second phase, CAST is operating with a buffer gas inside the magnet pipes in order to extent the sensitivity of the experiment to higher axion masses. We will present the first results on the 4He data taking as well as the system upgrades that have been operated in the last year in order to adapt the experiment for the 3He data taking. Expected sensitivities on the coupling constant of axions to photons will be given for the recent 3He run just started in March 2008.