Description:

"Controlling Magnetic Field for Next-Generation Electron EDM Search"

Siyuan Liu, Graduate Researcher, Gabrielse Group

The Electric Dipole Moment (EDM) of electron is a powerful probe for physics beyond the standard model. A non-zero EDM would imply a violation of time-reversal symmetry, which could potentially explain the mystery of matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe. The presentation will review the current measurements of electron EDM, which is consistent with zero, and the efforts to enhance measurement sensitivity substantially in a next-generation experiment. However, this increased sensitivity introduces challenges related to systematic errors caused by magnetic fields and gradients. The talk will detail strategies for achieving ultra-precise magnetic field control at the micro-gauss level in laboratory settings, a critical factor for the success of these measurements. Additionally, the application of these technologies in diverse areas will also be discussed.

"Uncovering the Neutrino Nature with Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay Experiments"

Sebastian Urrutia Quiroga, Visiting Scholar, de Gouvea Group

The origin and smallness of neutrino masses remain mysterious in particle physics. To understand these mysteries, it is crucial to know the nature of neutrinos, whether they are Majorana or Dirac fermions. This talk presents an overview of how neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ) in nuclei provides the most sensitive way to assess the Majorana nature of neutrinos. It highlights the theoretical background, experimental challenges, and the profound implications of detecting or not detecting this rare process. The discussion encapsulates the significance of these experiments in potentially confirming neutrinos as Majorana particles and their impact on our broader understanding of the universe.