Laser cooling atoms and molecules in the deep ultraviolet

The project aims to create a high-density ultracold gas of polar molecules through laser cooling.

We will study the quantum effects in ultracold matter, conduct precision measurements using laser-coole molecules, and investigate new ways to use molecules for quantum information processing.

By laser-cooling that stable molecule aluminum monofluoride (AlF) we aim to increasing the density by five orders of magnitude compared to other diatomic polar molecular species that are currently being laser-cooled. This way we can explore applications in dipolar quantum gases and perform simulations of complex quantum systems.

The project also aims to achieve quantum degeneracy through evaporative cooling and to build a platform for testing fundamental physics theories, including time-reversal symmetry and variations in fundamental constants.

Ultimately, this project seeks to establish a new experimental platform for fundamental physics and quantum technologies.