We explore the use of ultracold atoms and molecules for quantum science and technology.

Our goals include the use of dipolar molecules, to realize new forms of quantum matter and gain insights into the foundations of molecular collisions and chemistry. Moreover, we study molecules that facilitate tabletop precision searches for new physics beyond the Standard Model of particle physics. Finally, we also develop compact experimental setups to manipulate single atoms and molecules for technological applications.

For more information about our research please visit: www.coldmolecules.at, opens an external URL in a new window

News

Laser cooling of barium monofluoride

Laser cooling of barium monofluoride

The big BaF chill

Heavy barium monofluoride molecules are getting cold! See our latest preprint for a new approach to implement laser cooling for this and other complex molecular species that are in high demand for precision measurements of fundamental physics. 

Article (open access): https://journals.aps.org/prresearch/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.6.043161, opens an external URL in a new window

Less is more

To realize the cooling, we have designed and implemented custom optical spectra that optimize laser cooling forces. Our work shows that it is particularly important to optimize the laser light for the laser cooling of complex molecules.

Article (open access): https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1367-2630/add0d4, opens an external URL in a new window

Bring on the rare molecular isotopologues! 

For atoms, laser cooling is frequently used to cool different isotopes, or even collect rare isotopes. In our latest paper, we demonstrate such selective cooling for molecules for the first time, cooling both 138BaF and 136BaF molecules!

Artikel (open access): https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1367-2630/ada3f0, opens an external URL in a new window