Atomic structure theory and searches for new physics in precision atomic experiments

Speaker: Dr Jacinda Ginges
Affiliation: School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Queensland

Abstract

Atomic structure theory plays a critical role in searches for new physics in precision atomic experiments [1,2]. In this talk, I will give a status update on atomic parity violation and electric dipole moments, with an emphasis on atomic theory. Particular attention will be given to the important role of benchmarking the theory against experiment for testing and development of many-body methods. I will describe how nuclear structure uncertainties have hindered this comparison over the last decades, and I will show how we are overcoming these [3]. The prospect for a several-fold reduction in the uncertainty of atomic parity violation calculations is realistic within the next few years. This is needed for maximising the impact of existing and upcoming atomic parity violation measurements on particle physics discovery. 

[1] J. S. M. Ginges and V. V. Flambaum, “Violations of fundamental symmetries in atoms and tests of unification theories of elementary particles,” Phys. Rep. 397, 63 (2004).

[2] M. S. Safronova et al., “Search for new physics with atoms and molecules,” Rev. Mod. Phys. 90, 025008 (2018).

[3] G. Sanamyan, B. M. Roberts, and J. S. M. Ginges, “Empirical determination of the Bohr-Weisskopf effect in cesium and improved tests of precision atomic theory in searches for new physics,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 130, 053001 (2023).