BaH molecular spectroscopy with relevance to laser cooling

TL;DR

This paper presents a simple experimental setup for laser ablation of BaH molecules, analyzes their rovibrational spectra relevant to laser cooling, and measures key spectroscopic properties to facilitate ultracold molecule experiments.

Contribution

It introduces an accessible apparatus for BaH spectroscopy, providing detailed analysis and measurements crucial for laser cooling applications.

Findings

Measured the Franck-Condon factor for specific electronic transition.

Analyzed ablation plume properties relevant to surface ablation.

Outlined prospects for high-luminosity BaH molecular beams.

Abstract

We describe a simple experimental apparatus for laser ablation of barium monohydride (BaH) molecules and the study of their rovibrational spectra that are relevant to direct laser cooling. We present a detailed analysis of the properties of ablation plumes that can improve the understanding of surface ablation and deposition technologies. A range of absorption spectroscopy and collisional thermalization regimes has been studied. We directly measured the Franck-Condon factor of the $\mathrm{B}^2\Sigma^+(v'=0)\leftarrow\mathrm{X}^2\Sigma^+(v"=1)$ transition. Prospects for production of a high luminosity cryogenic BaH beam are outlined. This molecule is a promising candidate for laser cooling and ultracold fragmentation, both of which are precursors to novel experiments in many-body physics and precision measurement.