Molecules in Optical Tweezers
Molecules in Optical Tweezers
Controlling single molecules
This experiment aims to explore new avenues of quantum science with ultracold polar molecules by forming single RbCs molecules in optical tweezers by associating individual Rb and Cs atoms.
Controllable arrays of ultracold molecules offer an exciting new platform for quantum experiments. For example, such arrays may be used for quantum simulation of problems ubiquitous to condensed matter physics such as lattice spin models. Alternatively, with precise single-site control, the molecules may be independently moved around and merged together in miniature particle colliders, allowing for the study of ultracold chemistry on a single particle level where quantum effects dominate.
Recent progress
The group has recently realised the formation of ground state RbCs molecules trapped in individual tweezers. We are now studying the interactions of these molecules with Rb Rydberg atoms with the aim of creating a hybrid quantum system.
Gallery
Publications
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Meet the team
Dr. Alexander Guttridge
Postdoctoral Research AssistantDaniel Ruttley
PhD studentCe Li
PhD studentLinks and collaborators
This project is part of the QSUM: Quantum Science with Ultracold Molecules collaboration between Durham University, Imperial College London, and the University of Oxford.
We frequently work with with the Durham Cold Molecules Theory research group.
We are collaborating with Prof. Rosario González Férez in Grenada, a theorist working on molecule-Rydberg systems. She and her team are performing calculations to guide experiments and determining the best Rydberg states to excite to for the formation of GPRyMs.
Funding
We gratefully acknowledge funding from the following sources:
- “QSUM: Quantum Science with Ultracold Molecules” EPSRC EP/P01058X/1 (June 2017 – August 2023)
- “Interfacing Ultracold Polar Molecules with Rydberg atoms: A Hybrid Platform for Quantum Science” EPSRC EP/V047302/1 (May 2021 – May 2023)
- Durham University