On the Quantum Uncertainty of the Neutron Electric Dipole Moment

TL;DR

This paper explores the quantum uncertainty of the neutron electric dipole moment (EDM), addressing a significant discrepancy between experimental bounds and theoretical expectations through the concept of weak measurement.

Contribution

It introduces a novel interpretation of the neutron EDM bounds using weak measurement formalism to resolve the apparent discrepancy with quantum uncertainty.

Findings

Reveals a 13-order magnitude discrepancy in neutron EDM measurements.

Proposes weak measurement as a framework to understand quantum uncertainty in EDM.

Provides a new perspective on experimental bounds in relation to quantum theory.

Abstract

The continued interest in placing bounds on the neutron's Electric Dipole Moment (EDM) is due to the implications regarding the characteristics of the strong interaction and, in particular, its behavior under the CP symmetry. In this work, we discuss the apparent tension resulting from the discrepancy of about 13 orders of magnitude between the current bounds and the expected quantum uncertainty in the relevant quantity. We offer a resolution of the "puzzle" in terms of the notion of a weak measurement, using a version of the corresponding formalism adapted to consideration of the nEDM experiment at the Spallation Neutron Source at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.