Development and implementation of a Helium-3 magnetometry system for the PSI neutron EDM experiment
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sussex
Department Name: Sch of Mathematical & Physical Sciences
Abstract
The neutron electric dipole moment (EDM) experiment located at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) is currently taking data towards a new limit on the neutron EDM. The sensitivity of the measurement will be enhanced by the installation of an additional magnetometry system using spin polarised helium-3 atoms, read out with laser driven cesium magnetometers. The student will develop the magnetometer system to the point when it will be installed at PSI, incorporate an analysis system for the helium magnetometry data, and work towards a design of a helium magnetometry system for the upgraded version of the PSI experiment (n2edm). It is anticipated that he will spend an extended period of time at PSI on Long-Term Attachment during installation and initial data taking with the new magnetometry system.
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST/N504452/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2021 | |||
| 1653817 | Studentship | ST/N504452/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2019 | Christopher Abel |
| Description | This fund allowed the development of new techniques to null ambient magnetic fields in magnetically shielded environments. Previously, magnetoencephalography (MEG) has been performed with restrictive superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). One such application for the new technique will allow MEG to be performed with newly developed quantum magnetometers, and permit subjects to move around more freely than before. |
| Exploitation Route | The use of the new technique should be used to develop zero-field environments for MEG and fundamental physics experiments. |
| Sectors | Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | nEDM collaboration |
| Organisation | Paul Scherrer Institute |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Contributed to the nEDM collaboration at PSI. The University of Sussex has been a collaborator since the early days of the experiment. The grant has funded trips to allow me to participate in the data taking for the experiment, and to allow trips to develop new equipment for the new n2EDM experiment. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The ability to collaborate with the team at PSI has allowed me to take data using equipment which is not available to me at my home institution. |
| Impact | The data (currently under analysis) aims to set a new limit on the value of the neutron Electric Dipole Moment. Contribution to a recent publication (10.1103/PhysRevX.7.041034). |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Brighton Science Festival Outreach |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Participated in the Brighton Science Festival. A celebration of science open to the public. The event showcases science to the general public and helps to build interest in all scientific disciplines through demonstrations and discussions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://www.brightonscience.com/ |