CeNTREX : A Search for time-reversal symmetry violation using 205TlF molecules*

The Cold Molecule Nuclear Time-Reversal Experiment (CeNTREX) seeks to detect the time-reversal (T) and charge-conjugation–parity (CP) symmetry violating Schiff moment of the ^{205}\mathrm{Tl} nucleus by measuring shifts in nuclear magnetic resonance frequencies in highly polarized thallium fluoride (TlF) molecules. To maximize sensitivity, we employ rotational cooling and an electrostatic quadrupole lens (EQL) for molecular focusing, as well as coherent state transfer and manipulation techniques to enhance the Schiff moment signal. In addition, we have developed a laser transfer locking scheme to maintain stable laser frequencies and constructed a new detection chamber that enables large collection angles with minimal scattering. With the anticipated experimental sensitivity, CeNTREX can set competitive bounds on \theta_{\mathrm{QCD}}​, quark chromo-electric dipole moments (cEDMs), and the proton EDM.