EDMs, i.e. electric dipole moments of electrons, neutrons or nuclei are sensitive probes for new physics beyond the Standard Model of particle physics. In the present project, we propose to measure the electron EDM using atoms embedded in a cryogenic solid matrix. Matrices offer unprecedented sample sizes while maintaining characteristics of an atomic physics experiment, such as the possibility of manipulation by lasers. An EDM experiment on molecules in inert gas matrices has the potential to reach a statistical sensitivity of the order of 1e–36 e cm; a value beyond that of any other proposed technique.
We will present the EDMMA (Towards an Electric Dipole Moment with atoms and molecules in Matrix) project, that is a collaboration between experimental (LAC, ISMO,LPL) and theoretical (CIMAP) groups. We will present our first experimental and theoretical investigation of the spectroscopy of dilute cesium (Cs) atoms in a solid argon (Ar) matrix at cryogenic temperatures.
This will set the ground for further studies of systematic effects affecting EDM measurements.