Erlangen 2022 – scientific programme

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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik

Q 14: Precision Measurements and Metrology III

Q 14.6: Talk

Tuesday, March 15, 2022, 11:45–12:00, Q-H11

Probing Physics beyond the Standard Model with ultracold Mercury — Thorsten Groh, •Felix Affeld, Quentin Lavigne, and Simon Stellmer — Physikalische Institut, Universität Bonn, Germany

The standard model of physics is a well-established theory, yet it fails to capture a number of experimental observations. Related topics include the search for cold dark matter candidates, the origin of the cosmological baryon asymmetry, and finite neutrino masses.

In our experiment, we aim to investigate physics beyond the standard model using ultracold gases of mercury. Mercury's high mass, its low sensitivity to blackbody radiation, and the availability of seven stable isotopes make it a unique candidate for such studies.

We report on the measurement of the isotope shifts of various transitions in mercury. Emerging nonlinearities in this measurement could hint towards a fifth force mediated by a new boson Φ that would couple neutrons and electrons.