Probing the Electron EDM with Cold Molecules

Abstract

We present progress towards a new measurement of the electron electric dipole moment using a cold supersonic beam of YbF molecules. Data are currently being taken with a sensitivity of 10−27e.cm/day. We therefore expect to make an improvement over the Tl experiment of Commins’ group, which currently gives the most precise result. We discuss the systematic and statistical errors and comment on the future prospect of making a measurement at the level of 10−29e.cm/day.We present progress towards a new measurement of the electron electric dipole moment using a cold supersonic beam of YbF molecules. Data are currently being taken with a sensitivity of 10−27e.cm/day. We therefore expect to make an improvement over the Tl experiment of Commins’ group, which currently gives the most precise result. We discuss the systematic and statistical errors and comment on the future prospect of making a measurement at the level of 10−29e.cm/day.