Ultracold Quantum Matter of Strongly Dipolar Molecules - Sebastian Will, MIT

Date
Jan 28, 2016, 1:00 pm2:00 pm
Location
Jadwin 303

Details

Event Description
Over the past decade, atomic quantum gases have successfully been employed as quantum simulators for strongly correlated many-body systems. However, the interactions between ultracold atoms typically have short-range character, limiting the spectrum of quantum phenomena to be explored. Ultracold molecules with long-range dipolar interactions will open up new routes for quantum simulation, and – beyond that – should allow for the creation of novel states of matter, such as topological superfluids and dipolar quantum crystals. The assembly of heteronuclear molecules from ultracold atoms offers a unique path to realize molecular quantum gases with strong dipolar interactions. For this purpose, bialkali molecules with a large electric dipole moment and chemical stability in the absolute ground state are of particular interest – one of these being sodium-potassium (NaK). I will report on the creation of the first ultracold dipolar gas of NaK molecules – from the preparation of a new quantum gas mixture of Na and K, over the formation of weakly bound NaK Feshbach molecules, to the coherent transfer of NaK into the absolute ground state. With the molecules’ external and internal degrees of freedom under full control, the creation of novel states of matter and new applications in quantum information processing are in experimental reach.