Résumé / summary
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.

En savoir Plus