Parity Nonconservation in Ytterbium

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Abstract for Ytterbium Parity Nonconservation Experiment Much of fundamental physics can be understood through considering underlying symmetries that interactions possess. One such symmetry is that of mirror reflection. Does a mirror reflection change the interaction, or, equivalently, do left-handed and right-handed particles interact in the same way? Most fundamental interactions, such as gravity, electromagnetic, and nuclear strong interactions, are the same under mirror reflection. This symmetry allows one to make predictions on what kind of physics processes are possible. However, there is a fundamental interaction due to the weak force, the force responsible for certain kinds of nuclear radioactive decay, which is not the same for left-handed and right-handed particles. The fact that it is the only force that does not possess mirror-reflection symmetry allows one to distinguish it from other, stronger interactions. Our work is focused on using high-precision laser spectroscopy techniques to study mirror-reflection symmetry of atoms. This understanding will allow us to learn about the fundamental processes inside the nucleus and between the nucleus and atomic electrons due to the weak interaction. This improved knowledge will provide a stringent test of our understanding of the fundamental building blocks of nature and help to clarify our understanding of nuclear and particle physics.