Grant: Subatomic Physics Envelope - Project

The fundamental forces of nature are one of the fascinating subjects that can be studied at ISAC, Canada's radioactive beam facility at TRIUMF. In particular, the weak force, causing the beta-decay of nuclei, is unique in exhibiting the phenomenon of parity non-conservation: The mirror images of physical processes mediated by the weak force are not observed in nature. ISAC offers a unique possibility to study atomic parity non-conservation in francium (Fr), an element combining a very heavy nucleus (Z=87) with the simple, essentially hydrogenlike, valence structure of an alkali. Fr nuclei are the least stable among the first 103 elements in the periodic table, the longest-lived isotope decays in only 23 minutes. To make optimum use of the minute sample, the Fr atoms are slowed down with laser light and captured into a magneto-optic laser trap, suspended in free space at temperatures millions of times colder than room temperature. Together with researchers from the United States and Mexico, including 3 PhD students, one postdoctoral fellow, and several undergraduate research students, we have established a francium trapping facility at ISAC and have carried out first measurements with trapped Fr atoms, concerning the distribution of magnetization inside the nucleus in a string of isotopes. In a next step, we are now setting up experiments using precise laser and microwave spectroscopy to ultimately study atomic parity non-conservation in francium. The microwave experiment will measure a parity non-conserving effect inside the nucleus known as the anapole moment. To date, only measurements in two single isotopes of cesium and thallium have been performed, and more data is crucial for a better understanding of hadronic parity non-conservation in nuclear matter. The laser experiment will search for 'new' physics outside the - so far very successful - Standard Model of particle physics by measuring nuclear-spin independent atomic parity non-conservation in francium.