Laser slowing of CaF molecules to near the capture velocity of a molecular MOT

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates laser slowing of CaF molecules to velocities suitable for magneto-optical trapping, using a two-stage buffer gas beam source and frequency-broadened slowing, achieving a significant number of slow molecules.

Contribution

It introduces a method to slow CaF molecules to near trap velocities, advancing the prospects for molecular MOTs.

Findings

Achieved approximately 6x10^4 CaF molecules at ~10 m/s

Used frequency-broadened 'white-light' slowing technique

Progressed towards magneto-optical trapping of CaF

Abstract

Laser slowing of CaF molecules down to the capture velocity of a magneto-optical trap (MOT) for molecules is achieved. Starting from a two-stage buffer gas beam source, we apply frequency-broadened "white-light" slowing and observe approximately 6x10^4 CaF molecules with velocities near 10\,m/s. CaF is a candidate for collisional studies in the mK regime. This work represents a significant step towards magneto-optical trapping of CaF.