Formation and Dynamics of Ultracold Molecules

University Of Connecticut, Storrs CT

Investigators

Abstract

This experimental research program is focused on continuing and expanding earlier efforts in the area of ultracold molecules. Improved formation schemes for ultracold molecules will be investigated, including not only photoassociation, but also magnetoassociation, a process in which a magnetic field is swept through a Feshbach resonance, converting an atom pair into a barely-bound molecule. Both formation methods yield molecules in high vibrational levels, close to the dissociation limit. Transfer to low vibrational levels will be addressed by using stimulated Raman transitions for efficient population transfer. The broader impact of the program involves student education as well as applications in quantum computing and nanoscience.