Laser-cooled molecules as precision sensors for the weak nuclear interaction

• Applicant: Dr. Tim Langen
• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 527120139

In this project we will use diatomic molecules as sensors for nuclear physics and the weak interaction. By tuning the rotational levels of the molecules using a magnetic field we will resonantly enhance and explore the characteristic parity-violating effects of the weak interaction. Furthermore, we will use novel laser-cooling techniques to cool the molecules towards ultracold temperatures. This will allow us to reach beyond the paradigm of linear spectroscopy and exploit the quantum nature of the molecules to enhance sensing capabilities.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Austria
• Partner Organisation: Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung (FWF)