Polarized ultra-cold neutrons in the next generation measurement of the neutron EDM

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Peter Fierlinger, since 4/2016
• Subject Area: Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Relativity, Fields
• Term: from 2013 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 237295021

The actual accuracy in the search for a non zero electric dipole moment of the free neutron reached a limit of the order of 10-26 ecm. Similar to past experiments, all new upcoming experiments are looking for a change in the neutron spin direction after the storage and precession of polarized ultracold neutrons under certain magnetic and electric field conditions. Therefore, in order to increase the sensitivity, the next generation nEDM experiment at the FRMII requires improvements in each of its subparts, which will come close to the limit of feasibility. The three final goals of the proposed project will be the delivery of 100% polarized of ultracold neutrons into the nEDM precession chambers, the analysis of the neutron spin after a defined precession time and the implementation of a unique tool to investigate geometric phase effects beyond the level of 10-27ecm.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1491: Precision Experiments in Particle- and Astrophysics with Cold and Ultracold Neutrons
• Major Instrumentation: Superconducting magnet
• Instrumentation Group: 0120 Supraleitende Labormagnete
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Dr. Thorsten Lauer, until 3/2016