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Rotational splittings in diatomic molecules of interest to searches for new physics

Ayaki Sunaga*

Timo Fleig†

  • Laboratoire de Chimie et Physique Quantiques, FeRMI, Université de Toulouse, 118 Route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, France

  • *Contact author: ayaki.sunaga@ttk.elte.hu; sunagaayaki@gmail.com
  • †Contact author: timo.fleig@irsamc.ups-tlse.fr

Phys. Rev. A 113, 032809 – Published 5 March, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/53x5-8mb1

Abstract

Diatomic molecules with an energetically low-lying Δ13 state are attractive platforms to detect new physics beyond the Standard Model, such as parity- and time-reversal-violating phenomena. One of the advantages of using a Δ13 state is its tiny Λ splitting due to the coupling between the electronic and rotational angular momenta, which facilitates polarizing the molecules in small external electric fields. Theoretical estimation of the magnitude of the Λ splitting is helpful for planning new experiments. In this study, we present a theoretical model to calculate the Λ splitting. Our model integrates the relativistic four-component wave function and the traditional rotational Hamiltonian based on Hund's case (a). The multireference character of the wave function is taken into account. Our calculations for PtH and ThF+ molecules qualitatively agree with experiment. The Λ splitting of TaO+ for the rotational ground state is predicted to be around 9 kHz. This tiny splitting can reduce the systematic uncertainty, but in a practical experiment, it may cause depolarization during rotation ramp-up.

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