Helium dimer Ultracold Molecules - a platform for fundamental physics and ultracold chemistry
HeliUM aims to achieve quantum degeneracy by directly laser cooling the He2 molecule, enabling unprecedented precision in quantum measurements and studies of molecular collisions.
Projectdetails
Introduction
Laser cooling of atoms has revolutionized physics and allowed studying nature with unprecedented sensitivity, precision, and accuracy. With their additional degrees of freedom, ultracold molecules offer even more.
Challenges in Quantum Degeneracy
However, reaching high densities and a high number of elastic collisions are the two major challenges remaining to achieve quantum degeneracy with molecules. Four molecules were laser cooled and trapped in the last decade, but recent experiments have shown universal loss upon collisions caused by the formation of complexes, preventing further cooling.
Although not yet fully understood, the loss is favored by the large state densities of the heavy diatomic molecules used so far.
Proposed Strategy: HeliUM
I propose a novel strategy: HeliUM aims to overcome both obstacles by achieving direct laser cooling of the lightest and first homonuclear molecule, He2, and establishing a path towards quantum degeneracy.
Advantages of He2
The light mass of the molecule, absence of hyperfine structure, and a restricted set of rotational states due to the Pauli principle drastically reduce the level density and facilitate evaporative cooling.
Innovative Techniques
Additionally, relying on a continuous molecular beam and implementing an innovative slowing technique will lead to densities several orders of magnitude larger than in existing experiments.
Goals of HeliUM
With HeliUM, I will provide a controllable, simple 4-electron system at record low temperatures, allowing quantum sensing and precision measurements to test quantum physics and the quantum nature of collisions with unprecedented accuracy, while being accessible to highly accurate ab initio computational methods.
Future Measurements
By using Rydberg states and photodissociation, HeliUM will put me at the forefront of measuring cross sections for a plethora of reactions involving charged and neutral, atomic and molecular helium species, relevant for understanding He droplets, astro- and plasma physics.
This will complement my strong track record in precision measurements of molecular hydrogen and its ion.
Financiële details & Tijdlijn
Financiële details
Subsidiebedrag | € 2.215.408 |
Totale projectbegroting | € 2.215.408 |
Tijdlijn
Startdatum | 1-1-2024 |
Einddatum | 31-12-2028 |
Subsidiejaar | 2024 |
Partners & Locaties
Projectpartners
- STICHTING VUpenvoerder
Land(en)
Vergelijkbare projecten binnen European Research Council
Project | Regeling | Bedrag | Jaar | Actie |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ultracold polyatomic molecules for controlled chemistry and precision physicsThis project aims to explore ultracold polyatomic molecules for advanced quantum simulations and precision measurements, enhancing our understanding of chemistry and physics through novel cooling techniques. | ERC Starting... | € 1.499.125 | 2022 | Details |
New experimental methods for trapping cold molecular hydrogenThis project aims to enhance H2 spectroscopy accuracy by trapping cold H2 molecules using innovative techniques, potentially improving fundamental physics testing by two orders of magnitude. | ERC Starting... | € 1.923.238 | 2023 | Details |
Quantum Control of Ultracold Molecules By Electric FieldsThis project aims to achieve unprecedented low-energy molecular collision studies using advanced techniques to explore quantum features and interactions, bridging ultracold quantum physics and physical chemistry. | ERC Advanced... | € 3.352.573 | 2025 | Details |
LIght for controlling Reactive Interactions in COld moleculesThe LIRICO project aims to control chemical reactions in ultracold molecules using high-finesse optical cavities, enabling advanced quantum applications and novel molecular quantum technologies. | ERC Starting... | € 1.496.700 | 2024 | Details |
High Resolution Laser Spectroscopy of Atomic Hydrogen and DeuteriumThis project aims to enhance precision measurements of atomic hydrogen transitions to improve the Rydberg constant and redefine the SI system based on fundamental constants. | ERC Advanced... | € 2.500.000 | 2024 | Details |
Ultracold polyatomic molecules for controlled chemistry and precision physics
This project aims to explore ultracold polyatomic molecules for advanced quantum simulations and precision measurements, enhancing our understanding of chemistry and physics through novel cooling techniques.
New experimental methods for trapping cold molecular hydrogen
This project aims to enhance H2 spectroscopy accuracy by trapping cold H2 molecules using innovative techniques, potentially improving fundamental physics testing by two orders of magnitude.
Quantum Control of Ultracold Molecules By Electric Fields
This project aims to achieve unprecedented low-energy molecular collision studies using advanced techniques to explore quantum features and interactions, bridging ultracold quantum physics and physical chemistry.
LIght for controlling Reactive Interactions in COld molecules
The LIRICO project aims to control chemical reactions in ultracold molecules using high-finesse optical cavities, enabling advanced quantum applications and novel molecular quantum technologies.
High Resolution Laser Spectroscopy of Atomic Hydrogen and Deuterium
This project aims to enhance precision measurements of atomic hydrogen transitions to improve the Rydberg constant and redefine the SI system based on fundamental constants.
Vergelijkbare projecten uit andere regelingen
Project | Regeling | Bedrag | Jaar | Actie |
---|---|---|---|---|
Solid-State Cooling Technology for Cryogenic DevicesDeveloping a compact, fully electrical solid-state refrigerator to achieve sub-kelvin temperatures for advanced electronics and photonics, eliminating the need for 3He and heavy magnets. | EIC Transition | € 1.298.411 | 2023 | Details |
Solid-State Cooling Technology for Cryogenic Devices
Developing a compact, fully electrical solid-state refrigerator to achieve sub-kelvin temperatures for advanced electronics and photonics, eliminating the need for 3He and heavy magnets.