Title:
Electron Electric Dipole Moment using Cs in cryogenic matrix
Keywords:
Physics beyond standard model, electric dipole moment, matrix isolation spectrocopy
Scientific description: (a figure may be included)
Electric Dipole Moments (EDMs) of electrons, neutrons or nuclei are sensitive probes for
new physics beyond the Standard Model of particle physics. In the present project (EDMMA:
Electric Dipole Moment with atoms and molecules in Matrix), we propose to measure the
electron EDM using embedded particles in a cryogenic solid matrix of rare gas or hydrogen.
Matrices offer unprecedented sample sizes while maintaining many characteristics of an
atomic physics experiment, such as manipulation by lasers. An EDM experiment on atoms
and molecules in inert gas matrices has the potential to reach a statistical sensitivity in the
order of 10-36e.cm; a value several orders of magnitude beyond that of any other proposed
technique. In a strong collaboration between experimental (LAC, ISMO,LPL) and theoretical
(CIMAP) groups, we seek to perform a detailed investigation of all limiting effects (trapping
site dependence of optical pumping and coherence times mainly) using metal atoms (Cs
typically) in argon and parahydrogen matrices in view of a first proof of principle EDM
measurement. This will pave the way toward unprecedented sensitivity. During this
internship (that can continue in a PhD) we propose to setup the cryostat with argon and
make the first test of RF spin dynamics and hyperfine structure study of cesium embedded in
an argon matrix.