Monte Carlo study of the BMV vacuum linear magnetic birefringence experiment

QED vacuum can be polarized and magnetized by an external electromagnetic field, therefore acting as a birefringent medium. This effect has not yet been measured. In this paper, after having recalled the main facts concerning vacuum magnetic birefringence polarimetry detection method and the related noise sources, we detail our Monte Carlo simulation of a pulsed magnetic field data run. Our Monte Carlo results are optimized to match BMV experiment 2014 data. We show that our Monte Carlo approach can reproduce experimental results giving an important insight into the systematic effects limiting experiment sensitivity.

Automated summary

This paper discusses the potential of QED vacuum to become a birefringent medium under the influence of an external electromagnetic field, and details the Monte Carlo simulation used to match experimental data of pulsed magnetic field runs. The results show that the Monte Carlo approach can replicate experimental results, providing important insights into the systematic effects limiting experimental sensitivity.