12 research outputs found
One dimensional magneto-optical compression of a cold CaF molecular beam
We demonstrate with a RF-MOT the one dimensional, transverse magneto-optical
compression of a cold beam of calcium monofluoride (CaF). By continually
alternating the magnetic field direction and laser polarizations of the
magneto-optical trap, a photon scattering rate of 0.4 MHz is
achieved. A 3D model for this RF-MOT, validated by agreement with data,
predicts a 3D RF-MOT capture velocity for CaF of 5 m/s
Laser slowing of CaF molecules to near the capture velocity of a molecular MOT
Laser slowing of CaF molecules down to the capture velocity of a
magneto-optical trap (MOT) for molecules is achieved. Starting from a two-stage
buffer gas beam source, we apply frequency-broadened "white-light" slowing and
observe approximately 6x10^4 CaF molecules with velocities near 10\,m/s. CaF is
a candidate for collisional studies in the mK regime. This work represents a
significant step towards magneto-optical trapping of CaF
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Rotational State Microwave Mixing for Laser Cooling of Complex Diatomic Molecules
We demonstrate the mixing of rotational states in the ground electronic state using microwave radiation to enhance optical cycling in the molecule yttrium (II) monoxide (YO). This mixing technique is used in conjunction with a frequency modulated and chirped continuous wave laser to slow longitudinally a cryogenic buffer-gas beam of YO. We generate a flux of YO belowPhysic