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New limit on the electron electric dipole moment
B C Regan1, Eugene D Commins, Christian J Schmidt
1Physics Department, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA. regan@physics.berkeley.edu
Physical Review Letters
|February 28, 2002
Summary
This study searched for T violation in Thallium-205, seeking the electron
Area of Science:
- Atomic physics
- Nuclear physics
- Particle physics
Background:
- T-violation is a fundamental symmetry in physics.
- The electron electric dipole moment (EDM) is a key probe for T-violation.
- Previous experiments set limits on the electron EDM using atomic Tl-205.
Purpose of the Study:
- To search for T-violation in 205Tl.
- To set a new upper limit on the electron electric dipole moment (d(e)).
Main Methods:
- Utilized an upgraded atomic beam magnetic-resonance apparatus.
- Measured T-violation effects in Thallium-205 atoms.
Main Results:
- The measured electron EDM is d(e) = (6.9 +/- 7.4)x10(-28) e cm.
- An upper limit of /d(e)/ < or = 1.6x10(-27) e cm was established at 90% confidence.
Conclusions:
- The experiment provides stringent constraints on T-violation.
- The results contribute to searches for new physics beyond the Standard Model.