Parity nonconservation is observed in the 6P122−7P122 transition in thallium. Absorption of circularly polarized 293-nm photons by 6P122 atoms in an E field results in polarization of the 7P122 state through interference of Stark E1 amplitudes with M1 and parity-nonconserving E1 amplitudes M and Ep. Detection of this polarization yields the circular dichroism δ=+(5.2±2.4)×10−3, which agrees in sign and magnitude with theoretical estimates based on the Weinberg-Salam model.
Used 99.999% pure thallium metal with natural isotopic abundances (29.5% Tl203, 70.5% Tl205). SIG(C+), SIG(C-) are the cross sections for absorption of 293-nm photons, with +,- helicity, respectively. Spin of the Tl nucleus is 1/2. Statistical errors only.
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