Prospects for rapid deceleration of small molecules by optical bichromatic forces

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of optical bichromatic forces to rapidly decelerate and cool small molecules, specifically calcium monofluoride, by analyzing theoretical behavior and providing experimental verification in atomic systems.

Contribution

It presents a detailed analysis of bichromatic force application to small molecules and experimentally verifies large bichromatic forces in a multi-level atomic system.

Findings

BCF can significantly enhance molecular deceleration.

Experimental verification of large BCF in helium supports feasibility.

Calcium monofluoride is a promising candidate for ultracold molecule studies.

Abstract

We examine the prospects for utilizing the optical bichromatic force (BCF) to greatly enhance laser deceleration and cooling for near-cycling transitions in small molecules. We discuss the expected behavior of the BCF in near-cycling transitions with internal degeneracies, then consider the specific example of decelerating a beam of calcium monofluoride molecules. We have selected CaF as a prototype molecule both because it has an easily-accessible near-cycling transition, and because it is well-suited to studies of ultracold molecular physics and chemistry. We also report experimental verification of one of the key requirements, the production of large bichromatic forces in a multi-level system, by performing tests in an atomic beam of metastable helium.