Computational Atomic Structure and Search for New Physics

The overarching goal of this dissertation is to examine constraints on extensions tothe Standard Model (SM) through atomic-structure computations. More specifically,atomic parity-nonconserving (PNC) amplitudes and intrinsic electric dipole moments(EDM) are examined for sources of physics beyond the SM. Precision calculationsof these properties in the trivalent thallium atom, will help set new constraints onsearches beyond the SM.To this end, the first half of the dissertation is devoted to improving atomic structurecalculations. In particular, we numerically investigate the effectivenessof two convergence methods for coupled-cluster (CC) method. Further we explorethe feasibility of transferring high-precision CC methods, developed for monovalentatoms, to trivalent systems. Here we showcase calculations of various properties of thetrivalent atomic boron as a prototype for future precision computations for thallium.In the second half of the dissertation, we consider \dark force" extensions tothe the SM. We introduce \dark forces" by considering the parity-odd as well assimultaneous parity-and time-reversal-violating interactions between atomic electronsand nucleons. Here we hypothesize the exchange of a \dark sector" light gauge-bosonparticle between atomic electrons and nucleons, as the source of the \dark force".Furthermore, using the latest experimental upper limits on mercury EDM and errorbars on the cesium PNC experiments, we place constraints on the coupling strengthsof such \dark forces" with ordinary matter.

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctorate Degree

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Gharibnejad, Heman

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Derevianko, Andrei

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Safronova, Alla
• Weinstein, Jonathan
• Geraci, Andrew
• Varganov, Sergey

• Atomic/Molecular Optical
• Atomic Parity Violation
• Coupled Cluster
• Dark Force
• Exchange of light Gauge-Bosons
• Permenant Electric Dipole Moment

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright(All Rights Reserved)

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11714/2964

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarwolf.unr.edu:11714/2964