Project description
Ultracold atoms could improve precision of electron’s dipole moment measurements
The EU-funded UCEEDM project plans to use ultracold polar molecules to measure the electron's electric dipole moment with unprecedented precision. Such high-sensitivity measurements will be an ideal testing ground for theories beyond the Standard Model of particle physics and could aid in the search for the hidden forces responsible for the observed asymmetry between matter and anti-matter in the universe. The project will use laser cooling to effectively slow and cool molecules to temperatures below 50 microkelvin. This is the first time that laser cooling of molecules will be used to enhance the sensitivity of a measurement that tests fundamental physics.
Objective
The project aims to show that the electron's electric dipole moment (eEDM) could be measured with an unprecedented precision of 10^{-31} e cm by using ultracold polar molecules. Such a measurement would be a demanding test of theories beyond the Standard Model of particle physics, and a search for the undiscovered forces responsible for the observed asymmetry between matter and anti-matter in the Universe. The key advance that will unlock this extraordinary sensitivity is interferometry with molecules cooled to ultracold temperature.
I will make an intense, slow-moving beam of YbF molecules, which are known to be exceptionally sensitive to the eEDM. I will then apply laser cooling in both transverse directions to bring the temperature below 50 microkelvin, yielding a highly-collimated molecular beam. Next, I will build a spin interferometer using these ultracold molecules. Finally, by paying careful attention to noise sources, especially magnetic field noise, I will show that the interferometer can reach the sensitivity set by the quantum projection noise. Laser cooling of molecules is a new technique, and I will be the first to use it to enhance the sensitivity of a measurement that tests fundamental physics.
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 theoretical physics particle physics
- natural sciences physical sciences optics laser physics
You need to log in or register to use this function
We are sorry... an unexpected error occurred during execution.
You need to be authenticated. Your session might have expired.
Thank you for your feedback. You will soon receive an email to confirm the submission. If you have selected to be notified about the reporting status, you will also be contacted when the reporting status will change.
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.
-
H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme -
H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019
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.