Toward a measurement of atomic parity nonconservation using a single, trapped barium ion

Abstract

A single, trapped barium ion presents an excellent opportunity to make a precise atomic parity nonconservation measurement. The relatively perturbation-free single-ion trapping environment and high efficiency shelving techniques can in principle be used to achieve an experimental precision at the 0.3% level or better. This accuracy range would permit us to make statements about the existence of new physics beyond the Standard Model. The weak interaction in Ba+ modifies the light shift induced in the ground state by an intense laser beam, adding a parity-violating contribution to the Larmor precession frequency of the electron spin in the Ba+ ground state. This thesis presents and describes the apparatus and techniques for completing the intended measurement and also presents the results of several, successful, preliminary measurements using this system.