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Caltech

Physics Colloquium

Thursday, February 29, 2024
4:00pm to 5:00pm
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Online and In-Person Event
Clocks with ultracold molecules
Tanya Zelevinsky, Columbia University,

Ultracold atom technologies have transformed our ability to perform precise spectroscopy and apply it to metrology and fundamental physics. For example, laser-cooled atoms trapped in optical interference patterns constitute the highest-performing clocks. These devices can be applied to fundamental questions and improve our understanding of gravity and general relativity. I will discuss using optically trapped molecules, rather than atoms, as a reference for clocks and other high-precision experiments. Molecules have more internal quantum states and therefore are relatively challenging to control. On the other hand, their vibrational modes offer a large number of prospective clock transitions, and can help us probe alternative aspects of new physical interactions. I will also discuss the current precision limit of molecular metrology and possible paths forward.

Join via Zoom:
https://caltech.zoom.us/j/81866929019
Meeting ID: 818 6692 9019

The colloquium is held in Feynman Lecture Hall, 201 E. Bridge.

For more information, please contact Denise Lu by email at [email protected].