Developing Photoassociation Spectroscopy of Francium Molecules
ORAL
Abstract
Searches for new physics beyond the Standard Model of particle physics require novel probes to push experimental sensitivities past their current limits. Francium silver (FrAg) is a designer molecule that offers enhanced sensitivity to new physics, in particular to time-reversal violation inside the atomic nucleus when incorporating the radioactive, octuple-deformed 221Fr, 223Fr isotopes.
FrAg can be assembled from laser-cooled Fr and Ag atoms, providing ultracold molecules for the anticipated physics studies [1]. The effective molecular formation, however, requires detailed understanding of the low-energy scattering behaviours among all involved atom species, including the one between two Fr atoms.
We report on recent upgrades to TRIUMF’s francium trapping facility [2], including the confinement of francium atoms in an optical lattice, laying the groundwork for photoassociation studies to access the relevant scattering behaviour. An outlook on TRIUMF’s forthcoming “Radioactive Molecules Laboratory” as a dedicated infrastructure for precision studies of such exotic molecular species will also be given.
[1] J. Klos et al., New J. Phys., 24, 025005 (2022)
[2] M. Tandecki et al., J. of Instr., 8, 12006 (2013)
FrAg can be assembled from laser-cooled Fr and Ag atoms, providing ultracold molecules for the anticipated physics studies [1]. The effective molecular formation, however, requires detailed understanding of the low-energy scattering behaviours among all involved atom species, including the one between two Fr atoms.
We report on recent upgrades to TRIUMF’s francium trapping facility [2], including the confinement of francium atoms in an optical lattice, laying the groundwork for photoassociation studies to access the relevant scattering behaviour. An outlook on TRIUMF’s forthcoming “Radioactive Molecules Laboratory” as a dedicated infrastructure for precision studies of such exotic molecular species will also be given.
[1] J. Klos et al., New J. Phys., 24, 025005 (2022)
[2] M. Tandecki et al., J. of Instr., 8, 12006 (2013)
*Supported through funding by NSERC (Canada), NRC (Canada), TRIUMF, and "Table-top experiments for fundamental physics" program, sponsored by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Simons Foundation, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and John Templeton Foundation.
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Presenters
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Louis Croquette
- McGill University