Studying CP Violation -- Chances for a New Alliance

Abstract

The last three years have seen a phase transition in our knowledge about CP violation: (i) Direct CP violation has been established in $K_L \to \pi \pi$. (ii) The first CP violation outside $K_L$ decays has been observed in $B_d \to \psi K_S$: $<{\rm sin}2\phi_1 > = 0.78 \pm 0.08$ in amazing agreement with the prediction from the CKM description. The latter is thus seen as a tested theory. This increase in knowledge is not matched by progress in understanding. Searches for further manifestations of CP and T violation are mandatory. It is argued that one can profit greatly from studying atoms, molecules and nuclei.