Ensembles of Molecules in Controlled Quantum States for Quantum Simulations, Ultracold Reactions, and Precision Metrology
Abstract
Creating and manipulating molecular quantum states is a new frontier in quantum science. Precise quantum-state control of molecules would drive major advances in quantum simulation, quantum information processing, chemical dynamics, and discoveries of new physics. Progress in these fields would impact DOD capabilities in fields such as cryptography, materials design, and precision metrology. By the end of this proposed five-year project, we anticipate achieving several long-standing milestones in quantum science and engineering: performing molecular quantum state control and readout without loss of coherence on the time scale of seconds; utilizing electromagnetic fields to control outcomes of certain chemical reactions; using polar molecules to simulate interacting spin systems of increasing complexity; and demonstrating quantum entanglement within polar molecule ensembles at levels that would enhance highprecision measurements. To realize these advances, we need to control quantum states not only of single molecules, but also pairs of molecules, and interacting systems of many molecules. Hence, molecular internal degrees of freedom as well as center-of-mass motion must be prepared in pure quantum states. Many applications, such as studies of ultracold chemical dynamics and many-particle entanglement, also require ensembles of ultracold molecules with high density. Creating these extremely low-entropy molecular ensembles demands unprecedented low temperatures. Our project intends to develop new methods for cooling molecular ensembles, as well as manipulating all their quantized degrees of freedom.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 21, 2022
- Source ID
- FA95502110069XX0
Entities
People
- Tanya Zelevinsky
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
- United States Air Force