Trapping of ultracold polar molecules with a Thin Wire Electrostatic Trap

TL;DR

This paper reports the development of a novel thin-wire electrostatic trap (TWIST) for ultracold polar molecules, enabling continuous trapping and accumulation of NaCs molecules created in a MOT, with trap lifetime limited by background pressure.

Contribution

Introduction of the TWIST, a new electrostatic trapping method compatible with MOTs for ultracold polar molecules, allowing continuous accumulation and trapping.

Findings

Trap lifetime limited by background pressure

Successful trapping of NaCs molecules in low-field seeking states

Trap integrated with magneto-optical trap

Abstract

We describe the realization of a dc electric-field trap for ultracold polar molecules, the thin-wire electrostatic trap (TWIST). The thin wires that form the electrodes of the TWIST allow us to superimpose the trap onto a magneto-optical trap (MOT). In our experiment, ultracold polar NaCs molecules in their electronic ground state are created in the MOT via photoassociation, achieving a continuous accumulation in the TWIST of molecules in low-field seeking states. Initial measurements show that the TWIST trap lifetime is limited only by the background pressure in the chamber.