Accurate prediction and measurement of vibronic branching ratios for laser cooling linear polyatomic molecules
Chaoqun Zhang, Benjamin L. Augenbraun, Zack D. Lasner, Nathaniel B. Vilas, John M. Doyle, Lan Cheng
Abstract
We report a generally applicable computational and experimental approach to determine vibronic branching ratios in linear polyatomic molecules to the 10−5 level, including for nominally symmetry-forbidden transitions. These methods are demonstrated in CaOH and YbOH, showing approximately two orders of magnitude improved sensitivity compared with the previous state of the art. Knowledge of branching ratios at this level is needed for the successful deep laser cooling of a broad range of molecular species.
Topics & Concepts
Polyatomic ionBranching (polymer chemistry)Laser coolingBranching fractionMoleculeRange (aeronautics)Atomic physicsLaserTriatomic moleculeChemistryLinear molecular geometryPhysicsVibronic spectroscopyMaterials sciencePhotodissociationState (computer science)Solid-stateCold Atom Physics and Bose-Einstein CondensatesOptical properties and cooling technologies in crystalline materialsAdvanced Chemical Physics Studies