Novel Phases and Self-Organization in Quantum Matter of Ultracold Dipolar Molecules
Abstract
The central goal of this proposal is to create novel phases of quantum matter from Bose-Einstein condensates of dipolar molecules. This proposal has the potential to establish an entirely new research field, similar to the liquefaction of helium, the creation of atomic BECs, or the ability to study strongly correlated electronic phases in quantum materials. The findings in this new system can have far-reaching implications for our understanding of self-organization processes in nature in the presence of long-range interactions, relevant for superfluidity, crystallization, or melting processes. This project also lays critical groundwork for the use of dipolar molecules in quantum simulation and quantum computing. Recently, our research team has achieved an important breakthrough in the field- The first creation of a Bose-Einstein condensate of di polar molecules. This was enabled by the development of novel collisional shielding methods that allowed the successful cooling of a bosonic molecular gas to the coldest temperatures yet, about 5 nanokelvin above absolute zero. We observe long lifetimes of several seconds in molecular samples and reach a new level of tunability over the strength and anisotropy of dipolar interactions by dressing the molecules with precisely tuned microwave fields. Being able to create degenerate gases of bosonic dipolar molecules and control their interactions, our team is in a unique position to successfully carry out the proposed research program. The program will be carried out in a university lab by undergraduate and graduate students, as well as postdoctoral researchers, making an important contribution to the education of a highly trained workforce in quantum technology. The results of this work will be broadly disseminated in scientific journals and conferences and will be featured in courses and outreach events for the general public.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 06, 2025
- Source ID
- FA95502510048
Entities
People
- Sebastian A Will
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
- United States Air Force