An observation of so far elusive permanent electric dipole moment (EDM) of an atom would reveal CP violation. CP-violation, although observed in particle physics, still remains a mystery, as much stronger CP-violating mechanisms are required to explain matter-antimatter asymmetry. Moreover, most extensions of the standard model naturally produce EDMs that are comparable to the present limits derived from atomic experiments. I will propose a novel EDM search based on CP-violating polarizability of atoms and molecules.
Likewise, atomic parity violation (APV) sets unique limits on the low-energy electroweak sector of the standard model. An interpretation of APV measurements requires atomic-structure calculations of exquisite accuracy. Namely the theory is the limiting factor in interpretation of the most accurate APV measurement by C. Wieman's group. We develop new approaches aimed at reducing the theoretical error bars. With the new level of sophistication, we anticipate placing refined constraints on new physics beyond the standard model.