Data blinding for the nEDM experiment at PSI.

Area of Science:

• Experimental Physics
• Particle Physics
• Metrology

Background:

• Psychological bias poses a significant threat to the integrity of scientific data analysis, particularly in high-precision measurements.
• Existing methods to mitigate bias are often insufficient or lack traceability, challenging the credibility of results.
• Data blinding is a standard, traceable technique in particle physics, but its application is complex in experiments like neutron electric dipole moment (nEDM) searches due to interconnected measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a robust and traceable data blinding method specifically for nEDM experiments.
• To circumvent psychological bias without compromising the integrity of the experimental data or influencing the measurement process.
• To provide a flexible algorithm applicable for sequential blinding and re-blinding, enabling independent analysis by different teams.

Main Methods:

• An algorithm was designed to subtly modify recorded neutron spin states within measurement cycles.
• The modification is based on results from an automated analysis of the experimental data.
• The algorithm allows for multiple applications and subsequent re-blinding without revealing initial blinding parameters.

Main Results:

• A novel, flexible data blinding algorithm has been successfully developed and tested.
• The method effectively modifies data without impacting the experimental setup or introducing detectable artifacts.
• The algorithm is suitable for the nEDM experiment at PSI and adaptable for future experiments like n2EDM.

Conclusions:

• The developed data blinding algorithm provides a trustworthy and traceable method to eliminate psychological bias in nEDM experiments.
• This technique enhances the reliability and public acceptance of sensitive physics measurements.
• The algorithm's flexibility and re-blinding capability support rigorous, multi-stage data analysis protocols.