Objective
Spectroscopy has been a central tool in modern physics: it has helped us understand atomic structure, the expansion of the universe and the composition of exoplanet atmospheres. Today, high-precision spectroscopy is one of the most promising tools for investigating some of the most fundamental open questions: many theories beyond the standard model of particle physics can be tested by detecting tiny changes in atomic transition frequencies caused by the interaction with new particles, new forces or the variation of fundamental constants.
An especially attractive target is the search for temporal or spatial variations of the fine-structure constant, which is predicted by several different theories. Highly-charged ions (HCIs) are especially well suited for this search, as they have transitions that are over an order of magnitude more sensitive to the fine structure constant than most other atomic systems. The precision necessary for these measurements will soon be within reach, thanks to recent demonstrations of sympathetic cooling and quantum-logic spectroscopy of HCIs.
I propose an experiment that simultaneously probes two of the most sensitive transitions in HCIs using quantum logic spectroscopy and directly compares their transition frequencies. This method doubles the advantage of their enhanced sensitivities and reduces systematic effects introduced by an indirect comparison via the SI second standard. Together, these gains will allow an improvement of over two orders of magnitude on current bounds on the temporal variation of the fine-structure constant.
I will also take advantage of the exotic nature of these extreme atoms to test further theories of fundamental physics. In particular, I plan to exploit their enhanced Rutherford scattering cross section to determine an improved limit on the number density of proposed millicharged dark matter particles.
This data will help narrow down the most viable theories for physics beyond the standard model.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy planetary sciences planets exoplanetology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2024-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.