How the minuscule can contribute to the big picture: the neutron electric dipole moment project at TRIUMF

Abstract

A permanent electric dipole moment (EDM) of a fundamental particle violates both parity (P) and time (T) reversal symmetry and combined charge and parity (CP) reversal symmetry if the combined reversal of charge, parity \textit{and} time (CPT) is preserved. It is a very promising place to search for physics beyond the Standard Model. Ultracold neutrons (UCN) are the ideal tool to study the neutron electric dipole moment since they can be observed for hundreds of seconds. This article summarizes the current searches for the neutron EDM using UCN and introduces the project to measure the neutron electric dipole moment at TRIUMF using its unique accelerator driven spallation neutron and liquid helium UCN source. The aim is to reach a sensitivity for the neutron EDM of around $10^{-27} \,e \cdot$cm.