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PIRSA:13030100

Video URL

https://pirsa.org/13030100

Is the electron round?

Hinds, E. (2013). Is the electron round?. Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. https://pirsa.org/13030100

Edward Hinds Imperial College London

Talk numberPIRSA:13030100
DOI10.48660/13030100
Source RepositoryPIRSA
Collection
Talk Type Scientific Series
Subject

Abstract

We have made a new measurement of the electron’s electric dipole moment (EDM) using a beam of YbF molecules.    By measuring atto-eV energy shifts in a molecule, this experiment probes new physics at the tera-eV energy scale. According to the standard model, this EDM is d_e=10^(-38) e.cm – some eleven orders of magnitude below the current experimental limit. However, most extensions to the standard model predict much larger values, potentially accessible to measurement .  Hence, the search for the electron EDM is a search for physics beyond the standard model. I will describe our experimental method, our current results and their implications for particle physics.  I will also outline the prospects for further major improvement in sensitivity.