Description
Nuclear Schiff moments (NSMs) present a powerful probe into new physics through their connection to CP-symmetry violation. We are investigating the application of molecular matrix methods to NSM searches of radioactive isotopes, particularly radium-225, which has an enhanced Schiff moment resulting from its octupole deformations. These methods involve trapping polar molecules in a noble gas matrix, which is predicted to lock their orientation relative to the lattice vectors. In this contribution, we focus on the portion of the FRIB EDM$^3$ instrument, currently in the design stage, that will create and implant the polar molecules in the substrate. The instrument’s beamline starts with a spray-based ion source that will be used to efficiently ionize aqueous harvested radioisotopes. The spray will be collected by a dual ion funnel which will perform initial filtering of background ions. Then the ions will be analyzed by mass-to-charge ratio using a quadrupole mass filter, and then be neutralized in a charge-exchange cell. Finally, the molecules will be co-deposited along with a noble gas matrix. We will report on the design of this high-efficiency molecular beam source and the progress of its construction.
| Presenter name | Nicholas Nusgart |
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| How will you attend ICAP-27? | I am planning on in-person attendance |
