29.02.2024
17:45
HIT H42
29.02.2024
17:45
HIT H42
Richard Karl
Ph.D. student at University of Basel
Abstract
Within the rich energy level structure of molecules, transitions with advantageous properties for precision studies and molecular quantum technologies can be found [1]. However, in the absence of closed cycling transitions and frequencies ranging from MHz for hyperfine transitions to GHz in rotational transitions and THz in ro-vibrational transitions [2], efficient cooling of translational degrees of freedom, as well as coherent state preparation, manipulation, and readout become challenging. We demonstrate on a single molecular nitrogen ion how these challenges can be overcome to achieve a similar level of control over single molecules as over single atoms [3]. A notable key method therein is a quantum-logic protocol that utilizes a single calcium ion for quantum non-demolition state detection of the molecular state [4]. While our current efforts are towards precision-spectroscopy on non-dipole-allowed rotational and ro-vibrational transitions, the same methodologies pave the way for the implementation of molecular qubits, frequency standards in the mid-IR regime, high-resolution studies of state-to-state dynamics in chemical reactions, and for testing theories about physics beyond the standard model.
References
- M. Sinhal, S. Willitsch, Photonic Quantum Technologies, 2023, 305-332.
- K. Najafian, Z. Meir, S. Willitsch, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2020, 22, 23083.
- A. Shlykov, M. Roguski, S. Willitsch, Adv. Quantum Technol., 2023, 2300268.
- M. Sinhal, et al., Science, 2020, 367, 1213.