Measuring the Electron's Electric Dipole Moment with Ultracold YbF Molecules

Explore cutting-edge experimental physics research in this conference talk examining two innovative approaches to measuring the electron's electric dipole moment using ultracold YbF molecules. Learn about the first experiment utilizing a highly collimated beam of laser-cooled molecules below 100 μK in transverse directions, where researchers measure spin precession as molecules traverse regions of large electric fields. Discover the recent data characterizing experimental sensitivity and ongoing efforts to control dominant noise sources and systematic errors. Examine the second experiment currently under development, which employs molecules trapped in an optical lattice by decelerating them to low velocity using radiation pressure and delivering them to a magneto-optical trap. Understand the progress made in molecular slowing and trapping techniques, along with the design considerations for the electron electric dipole moment apparatus. Gain insights into table-top-size experimental approaches that could potentially yield high-return discoveries beyond the current frontier of fundamental physics, as part of research aimed at advancing small-scale experimental projects in university physics research laboratories.