Detecting Axion-Like Particles With Coiled Optical Fibers I: Silica Fibers

We propose a new approach to axion-like particle (ALP) searches based on long, coiled optical fibers in an external magnetic field. We develop the theoretical framework required to describe photon-ALP conversion in this geometry by incorporating transverse boundary conditions and fiber bending. For solid silica fibers with refractive index considerably larger than unity, we show that the leading signal is a phase shift of the photon, with negligible loss due to ALP production. This setup has the potential to set new constraints in the regime of large ALP mass. We further identify parameter regions in which boundary effects become important, in particular for hollow-core fibers, where signals due to ALPs can be significantly enhanced.