Project description
New technique to measure electron’s electric dipole moment with unprecedented precision
The Universe’s imbalance of matter over antimatter is one of the most puzzling mysteries in physics, as current theories suggest they should exist in equal amounts. A potential clue lies in CP violation, where a new particle or interaction could break the symmetry between matter and antimatter. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the eShapeUltracold project will focus on measuring the electron’s electric dipole moment – a tiny asymmetry in its shape – with ten times more precision than state-of-the-art experiments. By using ultracold molecules, which move slower and allow longer measurement times compared to cold molecules, eShapeUltracold aims to achieve unprecedented sensitivity.
Objective
One of the most puzzling observations in contemporary physics is the striking imbalance of matter over antimatter in our Universe. The Standard Model of Particle Physics predicts that nearly equal amounts of matter and antimatter should have been created, but all the antimatter seems to have disappeared. This discrepancy could be explained by a new particle or interaction that breaks the symmetry between matter and antimatter. Many different experiments are looking for signatures of this broken symmetry (CP violation) using a wide variety of particles, atoms and molecules. The CP-violating signature this project focuses on is an asymmetry in the shape of the electron, quantified by its electric dipole moment (EDM).
The aim is to measure the EDM of the electron with tenfold better precision compared to the current state-of-the-art experiments. Such an unprecedented sensitivity can be achieved by using ultra-cold molecules instead of cold molecules, their slower speeds increasing the time spent in the sensitive region of experimental apparatus. However, the longer interrogation times bring new challenges regarding experimental stability and systematic effects. The objectives of this project are to use my expertise in magnetic field optimisation and high-precision experiments to tackle these challenges and to collect and carefully analyse the electron EDM data, testing predictions of new physics. This fellowship would give me the opportunity to learn how to create, control and detect ultra-cold molecules from the world-leading experts at Imperial College, and the curated training programme will allow me to grow into an independent researcher capable of leading my own research group. These skills are crucial in the next stage of my career as I want to continue with these tabletop experiments with molecules for fundamental physics, probing for new physics beyond the energy range accessible by the accelerator-based experiments such as at the LHC.
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.
This project has not yet been classified with EuroSciVoc.
Be the first one to suggest relevant scientific fields and help us improve our classification service
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
SW7 2AZ London
United Kingdom
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.