Description
The complex structure of polyatomic molecules offers powerful features that can be exploited for applications in quantum simulation and precision measurement. One of these features is a plethora of ro-vibrational states. In the linear triatomic molecule SrOH, two vibrational states have a near-degeneracy that can be probed with microwaves (in contrast to typical vibrational splittings of $\sim$10 THz). Because the energies of these states depend differently on the proton-to-electron mass ratio, $\mu$, a microwave resonance between them is highly sensitive to changes in $\mu$ over time. We report on high-resolution vibrational branching ratio measurements of four excited vibronic states. We are now able to design a laser-cooling scheme with over 10,000 photon scatters before loss to an unaddressed vibrational state, more than enough to form a MOT and load an optical trap. Only 8 lasers are required for this scheme, fewer than for any other known polyatomic molecule cooling cycle. We describe progress towards laser cooling of SrOH and a high-sensitivity measurement of $\mu$ variation using ultracold SrOH molecules.
| Presenter name | Annika Lunstad |
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| How will you attend ICAP-27? | I am planning on in-person attendance |
