Laser cooling of molecules
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Tarbutt, MR
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Recently, laser cooling methods have been extended from atoms to molecules. The complex rotational and vibrational energy level structure of molecules makes laser cooling difficult, but these difficulties have been overcome and molecules have now been cooled to a few microkelvin and trapped for several seconds. This opens many possibilities for applications in quantum science and technology, controlled chemistry, and tests of fundamental physics. This article explains how molecules can be decelerated, cooled and trapped using laser light, reviews the progress made in recent years, and outlines some future applications.
Date Issued
2019-02-22
Date Acceptance
2019-01-28
Citation
Contemporary Physics, 2019, 59 (4), pp.356-376
ISSN
0010-7514
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Start Page
356
End Page
376
Journal / Book Title
Contemporary Physics
Volume
59
Issue
4
Copyright Statement
© 2019 Taylor & Francis. This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in [Contemporary Physics] on [22/02/2019], available online: [https://doi.org/10.1080/00107514.2018.1576338]
Sponsor
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (E
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000463104200002&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Grant Number
RF040529
EP/M027716/1
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Physics
Cold molecules
laser cooling
magneto-optical trapping
ELECTRIC-DIPOLE MOMENT
FRONTIERS
ATOMS
LIMIT
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2019-02-22