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). 

About Australia - New Zealand Cold Atom Seminars

This new initiative hosts a seminar once a month for the Australia – New Zealand cold atom research community.  The purpose is to encourage and facilitate ongoing discussions and collaboration in the local community.  Talks should be less than 40 minutes in length to allow ample time for questions and discussion.

Seminars will be held on the last Friday of the month (except for December) at 1pm Melbourne time (which is normally 3pm New Zealand time).  While the primary format is online via Zoom, various institutions will host the seminar in local seminar rooms.  The Zoom link is https://uqz.zoom.us/j/88604569495

You can sign up for announcements for the seminars at this webpage:
https://lists.science.uq.edu.au/mailman/listinfo/anz_coldatoms

Seminars are recorded, and past seminars can be accessed from this web page.

Contact Matthew Davis mdavis@physics.uq.edu.au for further information.

 

Venue

Physics Annexe (06)
Room: 407