Münster 2011 – scientific programme
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HK: Fachverband Physik der Hadronen und Kerne
HK 44: Fundamentale Symmetrien
HK 44.1: Group Report
Wednesday, March 23, 2011, 16:30–17:00, HS2
Status report on the nEDM project at the Paul Scherrer Institut, Switzerland — •Beatrice Franke — Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen, Switzerland — Exzellenzcluster Universe, Muenchen, Germany
A non-zero neutron electric dipole moment (nEDM) would violate time reversal and parity symmetry. Its detection would be a major discovery, but already improving the present upper limit of 2.9·10−26 e·cm will further constrain theories beyond the Standard Model of particle physics, such as supersymmetry.
The goal of the nEDM collaboration is to improve the current sensitivity by almost two orders of magnitude. This shall be achieved in two phases: Firstly by using an upgraded version of the former ILL-RAL-Sussex apparatus (oILL) at the new powerful ultracold neutron source at PSI. This source is expected to deliver neutron densities increased by a factor ≈100 compared to the former location at ILL. Secondly a new spectrometer is being designed and developed in order to improve statistical sensitivity and enhance control over systematic effects.
After moving the oILL spectrometer to Paul Scherrer Institut in 2009, numerous test measurements have been performed. The apparatus has been characterized in great detail and many new features have been installed. It is now ready for first measurements with ultracold neutrons. This talk will present the current achievements with focus on the alterations and improvements that have been implemented.