Dipolar molecules: a new player in the world of ultracold quantum matter
In the past years, studies with atoms at nanokelvin temperatures have led to some of the most exciting results in experimental physics. Relying on the exquisite control and accuracy that is unique to atomic physics, ultracold atoms have been employed to study quantum phenomena in their most pristine form. The observation of matter wave interference and the creation of vortices in Bose-Einstein condensates are just two examples in a long list of remarkable achievements.
Based on the success of ultracold atoms, we work towards the creation of a new player in the world of extremely cold quantum matter, ultracold dipolar molecules. Our molecule of choice is NaK, formed by one 23Na and one 40K atom. In contrast to simple atoms, the NaK molecule has a large electric dipole moment, in fact, larger than the well-known dipole moment of a water molecule. At nanokelvin temperatures, strongly dipolar NaK molecules should enable the creation of novel states of matter, such as quantum crystals, supersolids or exotic superfluids, which have not been observed so far…
In my talk I will present the key techniques for the production of ultracold dipolar molecules, explain their properties and give an outlook on the rich experimental possibilities.