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Cold molecules: Progress in quantum engineering of chemistry and quantum matter
John L Bohn1, Ana Maria Rey1, Jun Ye1
1JILA, National Institute of Standards and Technology and University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309-0440, USA. bohn@murphy.colorado.edu arey@jilau1.colorado.edu ye@jila.colorado.edu.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 9, 2017
Summary
Scientists are cooling molecules to ultralow temperatures, enabling precise control over their interactions. This breakthrough paves the way for controlling chemical reactions and designing new quantum materials.
Area of Science:
- Quantum science
- Atomic and molecular physics
- Chemical physics
Background:
- Cooling atoms to ultralow temperatures has advanced fundamental physics, precision metrology, and quantum science.
- Applying sophisticated cooling techniques to molecules presents challenges due to their complex structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the application of advanced cooling techniques to molecules.
- To achieve precise control over molecular internal and external degrees of freedom.
- To enable the control of reaction chemistry and the design of advanced quantum materials.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing sophisticated cooling techniques adapted for molecular systems.
- Precisely controlling molecular internal and external degrees of freedom.
- Investigating molecular interactions and evolution processes.
Main Results:
- Opening new possibilities for controlling molecular behavior.
- Enabling precise manipulation of molecular internal and external states.
- Facilitating the study of molecular interactions.
Conclusions:
- The precise control of molecules at ultralow temperatures is achievable.
- This research is crucial for advancing quantum science and materials.
- It offers a pathway to control chemical reactions and design novel quantum materials.
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