CeNTREX: a new search for time-reversal symmetry violation in the 205Tl nucleus

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 Tl-205 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.

Automated summary

The CeNTREX experiment aims to increase sensitivity to hadronic time reversal (T) violating interactions using advanced techniques. The experimental signature involves shifts in nuclear magnetic resonance frequencies of Tl-205. The experiment utilizes cryogenic molecular beam sources and optical state preparation to achieve higher sensitivity and better control of systematic errors.