Search for the electron electric dipole moment

Yale University, New Haven CT

Investigators

Abstract

This project has as its goal the determination of an electric dipole moment (EDM) for the electron. Should a non-zero value for this parameter exist, this would provide definitive evidence for phenomena beyond the Standard Model of particle physics. The experiment will search for the EDM through the metastable excited a(1) state of PbO. The sensitivity of the experiment should reach an improvement over the current limit to which the EDM is known by four orders of magnitude and should be able to access EDM values much smaller than those predicted by theories beyond the Standard Model. Part of the work will be conducted in collaboration with faculty and students from Amherst College.