Progress Toward Precision Measurements Using Polyatomic Molecules

Citation

Zeng, Yi (2024) Progress Toward Precision Measurements Using Polyatomic Molecules. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/39gs-s382. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:05242024-210220298

Abstract

Symmetry is a useful tool for solving problems and is a guide helping us to formulate new theories to better understand the universe. The violation of expected symmetries indicates a lack of full understanding and may point towards promising directions of inquiries. The combined Charge Parity (CP) symmetry is one such expected symmetry, and it's violated by a very minute amount in both theory and observations. Within the Standard Model, we don't know why it's here and we don't know its exact amount, though it is not enough to explain the observed asymmetry between matter and antimatter. Hence, studying CP-violating (CPV) physics is a great way to not only complete the Standard Model but also to find out new physics beyond it. We aim to measure CPV phenomena in polyatomic molecules. Specifically, we are going to measure the electron electric dipole moment and the nuclear magnetic quadrupole moment at a precision higher than ever before. Here I report the progress and developments we made towards achieving both.

Thesis Files