Development of laser-based techniques to cool and manipulate trapped atoms led to a quantum revolution, with applications ranging from creation of novel phases of matter to realization of new tools for navigation and timekeeping. Compared with atoms, the rich internal structure of molecules offers additional potential. However, obtaining control over the rotational quantum state of trapped molecules, a prerequisite for most applications, has presented a significant challenge because of the large number of internal states. I will discuss techniques we have developed to optically cool rotations of trapped molecular ions using a single broadband laser. I will also discuss applications including searches for new physics, probing quantum structure near the bond breaking point, quantum information processing, and blackbody thermometry.
Seminar Speaker: Brian Odom, Northwestern University
Host: TBA
Meeting Details:
Friday, October 16th, 2020 at 4:00 pm (Central Time) on Zoom.
Zoom info:
Please email peri.drury@northwestern.edu if you would like access to the Zoom meeting link.