Quantum logic control and precision measurements of molecular ions in a ring trap -- a new approach for testing fundamental symmetries

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel ring trap platform for quantum logic control of molecular ions, enabling high-precision measurements to test fundamental symmetries such as the electron's electric dipole moment.

Contribution

It presents a new approach that separates state preparation and detection from spin precession, improving control and coherence in molecular ion experiments.

Findings

Achieved near-unity state preparation and detection

Long spin coherence times demonstrated

Applicable to various ion species for fundamental symmetry tests

Abstract

We present a new platform facilitating quantum logic control of polar molecular ions in a segmented ring ion trap, paving the way for precision measurements. This approach focuses on achieving near-unity state preparation and detection, as well as long spin coherence. A distinctive aspect lies in separating state preparation and detection conducted in a static frame, from parity-selective spin-precession in a rotating frame. This method can be applied to a wide range of ion species and will be used to search for the electron's electric dipole moment and the nuclear magnetic quadrupole moment.