Progress Towards the EDM³ Instrument at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams Part 2: Neutralization, Implantation, and Spectroscopy

Nuclear Schiff moments (NSMs) present a powerful probe into new physics through their connection to CP-symmetry violation. We are investigating the application of molecular matrix methods[1] to NSM searches of radioactive isotopes, particularly radium-225, which has an enhanced Schiff moment resulting from its octupole deformations[2]. These methods involve trapping polar molecules in a noble gas matrix, which is predicted to lock their orientation relative to the lattice vectors.

In this part of the contribution, we focus on the portion of the in-design FRIB EDM3 instrument that will neutralize the radioactive polar ions and implant them into a noble gas matrix, and the part that will be used to perform molecular spectroscopy. The ions will be neutralized using a vertical charge exchange cell. We plan to use an alkali metal-vapor based charge exchange cell[3]. After exiting the vertical charge exchange cell, the radium-monofluoride molecules will be co-deposited in a noble gas matrix.

Once the molecules are deposited, precise electromagnetic fields will be applied and laser spectroscopy will be used to perform nuclear Schiff moment measurements on the 225RaF[1].

[1] A.C. Vutha, M. Horbatsch, E.A. Hessels, Phys. Rev. A 98 (2018).

[2] V.V. Flambaum, V.G. Zelevinsky, Phys. Rev. C 68 (2003).

[3] A. Klose, K. Minamisono, et al, NiMA 678, 114 (2012).