Oriented polar molecules in a solid inert-gas matrix: a proposed method for measuring the electric dipole moment of the electron

Understand

We propose a very sensitive method for measuring the electric dipole moment of the electron using polar molecules embedded in a cryogenic solid matrix of inert-gas atoms.

• The polar molecules can be oriented in the $\hat{\rm{z}}$ direction by an applied electric field, as has recently been demonstrated by Park, et al.
• [Angewandte Chemie {\bf 129}, 1066 (2017)].
• The trapped molecules are prepared into a state which has its electron spin perpendicular to $\hat{\rm{z}}$, and a magnetic field along $\hat{\rm{z}}$ causes precession of this spin.