Precision Test of Mass Ratio Variations with Lattice-Confined Ultracold Molecules

TL;DR

This paper proposes a highly precise, model-independent method using ultracold molecules in an optical lattice to detect potential variations in the proton-electron mass ratio over time, leveraging vibrational energy sensitivities.

Contribution

It introduces a novel, model-independent approach employing zero-differential-Stark-shift optical lattices for high-accuracy vibrational transition measurements.

Findings

Potential for high-precision detection of mass ratio variations.

Method avoids assumptions about other fundamental constant variations.

Applicability of zero-differential-Stark-shift technique demonstrated.

Abstract

We propose a precision measurement of time variations of the proton-electron mass ratio using ultracold molecules in an optical lattice. Vibrational energy intervals are sensitive to changes of the mass ratio. In contrast to measurements that use hyperfine-interval-based atomic clocks, the scheme discussed here is model-independent and does not require separation of time variations of different physical constants. The possibility of applying the zero-differential-Stark-shift optical lattice technique is explored to measure vibrational transitions at high accuracy.