CeNTREX: A new search for time-reversal symmetry violation in the $^{205}$Tl nucleus

TL;DR

CeNTREX is a novel experiment designed to detect time-reversal symmetry violation in $^{205}$Tl nuclei by measuring shifts in nuclear magnetic resonance frequencies of polarized TlF molecules, aiming to surpass previous sensitivity limits.

Contribution

It introduces a new experimental setup with cryogenic molecular beams and advanced quantum control techniques to improve sensitivity in detecting $T$-violation in TlF molecules.

Findings

Quantitative measurements of the TlF beam established current capabilities.

The proposed methods could significantly enhance sensitivity to $T$-violating interactions.

Systematic error control strategies are outlined for future experiments.

Abstract

The Cold molecule Nuclear Time-Reversal EXperiment (CeNTREX) is a new effort aiming for a significant increase in sensitivity over the best present upper bounds on the strength of hadronic time reversal ($T$) violating fundamental interactions. The experimental signature will be shifts in nuclear magnetic resonance frequencies of $^{205}$Tl in electrically-polarized thallium fluoride (TlF) molecules. Here we describe the motivation for studying these $T$-violating interactions and for using TlF to do so. To achieve higher sensitivity than earlier searches for $T$-violation in TlF, CeNTREX uses a cryogenic molecular beam source, optical state preparation and detection, and modern methods of coherent quantum state manipulation. Details of the measurement scheme and the current state of the apparatus are presented, with quantitative measurements of the TlF beam. Finally, the estimated sensitivity and methods to control systematic errors are discussed.