Progress Towards A New Parity Non-Conservation Measurement in Cesium-133
Abstract
Atomic parity violation measurements provide a way to probe physics beyond the Standard Model. They can provide constraints on conjectures of a massive Z boson or a light boson, or searches of dark energy. Using the two-pathway coherent control technique, our group plans to make a new measurement of the weak interaction induced parity non-conservation (PNC) transition moment (EPNC) on the cesium 6S → 7S transition. We will coherently interfere a 2-photon transition with the Stark and PNC transitions to amplify and extract the PNC amplitude. Previously, our lab has measured the magnetic dipole transition moment on the same 6S → 7S transition to about 0.4% uncertainty using this technique. In this dissertation, I discuss improvements made to the system, and review what future upgrades are needed for a new EPNCmeasurement. Key systematics are also described. For an accurate determination of EPNC, properties of cesium such as the scalar (α) and vector (β) transition polarizabilities are needed. I present improved determinations of key electric dipole matrix elements, and calculate new high precision determinations of α and β. Finally, using β and the previously measured value of EPNC/β, I calculate new values for the weak charge of the cesium nucleus Qw.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Elliott, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Optics|Analytical chemistry|Atomic physics|Chemistry|Physics
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