Andrei Derevianko
Physics Department
University of Nevada, Reno
Tests of fundamental symmetries with atoms and molecules provide
stringent constraints on new physics beyond the standard
model of elementary particles.
An observation of so far elusive permanent electric
dipole moment (EDM) of an atom would reveal CP violation.
CP-violation, although observed in particle physics, still remains
a mystery, as much stronger CP-violating mechanisms are
required to explain matter-antimatter asymmetry. Moreover, most
extensions of the standard model naturally produce EDMs that are
comparable to the present limits derived from atomic experiments.
I will discuss emerging directions in EDM searches and emphasize
a guiding role of atomic theory.
Likewise, atomic parity violation (APV) sets unique limits on the
low-energy electroweak sector of the standard model. An
interpretation of APV measurements requires atomic-structure
calculations of exquisite accuracy. Namely the theory is the
limiting factor in interpretation of the most accurate APV
measurement by C. Wieman's group. We develop new approaches aimed
at reducing the theoretical error bars. With the new level of
sophistication, we anticipate placing refined constraints on
new physics beyond the standard model.
