A new approach to high-precision measurements of the electron EDM using francium atoms

ORAL

Abstract

Searching for the permanent electric dipole moment (EDM) of a particle leads to new physics beyond the standard model of particle physics. It is known that the electron EDM is enhanced in heavy paramagnetic atoms; for instance, francium (Fr) atoms, which can be produced by a fusion reaction between oxygen and gold. The electron structure of Fr atoms allows laser-cooling as well as trapping in an optical lattice where high-precision measurements of the electron EDM take place. The number of Fr atoms in an optical lattice is directly related to the precision of the measurements. Therefore, it is important to prepare a large number of Fr atoms in a magneto-optical trap (MOT) prior to transferring them to an optical lattice. Based on the results of trapping Fr atoms with an MOT at Tohoku University’s CYRIC facility, I will present updates on the development of an innovative new experimental apparatus being constructed at RIKEN’s RIBF facility. This new apparatus is designed to realize the largest number of Fr atoms ever trapped with an MOT.

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Presenters

  • Hiroki Nagahama

    CNS, University of Tokyo

Authors

  • Hiroki Nagahama

    CNS, University of Tokyo

  • Tomohiro Hayamizu

    CNS, University of Tokyo

  • Naoya Ozawa

    CNS, University of Tokyo

  • Jun Tsutsumi

    Rikkyo University

  • Kazuo Tanaka

    CYRIC, Tohoku Univeristy

  • Ken-ichi Harada

    CYRIC, Tohoku Univeristy, CYRIC, Tohoku University

  • Aiko Uchiyama

    CYRIC, Tohoku Univeristy, CYRIC, Tohoku University

  • Masatoshi Itoh

    CYRIC, Tohoku University, CYRIC, Tohoku Univeristy

  • Takeshi Inoue

    RIKEN Nishina Center

  • Hirokazu Kawamura

    Tohoku University, Tokyo Nuclear Services, CYRIC, Tohoku University

  • Yasuhiro Sakemi

    CNS, University of Tokyo, University of Tokyo