JILA researchers have developed a new method to measure the roundness of electrons using spinning electric and magnetic fields. The technique involves trapping molecular ions of hafnium fluoride in rotating fields and measuring changes in the spin direction of the electrons. While the initial measurement isn’t as precise as other methods, the technique could potentially provide the most accurate measurements of electron roundness in the future.
The research, led by JILA/NIST Fellow Eric Cornell, aims to push the limits of electron electric dipole moment (eEDM) measurements. Current theories predict the eEDM might be close to experimental limits, and more precise measurements could validate or disprove competing theories. The method could also be useful in quantum information experiments and simulations of spin-based quantum systems.
The technique involves trapping polar molecules in rotating electric and magnetic fields, allowing scientists to measure the electrons’ properties over longer periods. The research is supported by the National Science Foundation, NIST, and the Marsico Foundation.
Keywords: electron, electric, dipole, moment, spin
