High-Efficiency Quantum-State Detection of ThF$^+$ with Resonance-Enhanced Multiphoton Asymmetric Dissociation

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a highly efficient quantum-state detection method for ThF$^+$ ions using resonance-enhanced multiphoton dissociation, significantly improving detection efficiency for precision measurements like the electron EDM search.

Contribution

The study identifies optimal excited states for ThF$^+$ that enable resonance-enhanced multiphoton dissociation with over 50% efficiency, advancing quantum-state detection techniques.

Findings

Achieved 57(14)% dissociation efficiency for ThF$^+$

Identified excited states that improve quantum state readout

Proposed protocols for simultaneous detection of multiple EDM states

Abstract

Efficient quantum-state detection is crucial for many precision control experiments, such as the ongoing effort to probe the electron's electric dipole moment using trapped molecular $^{232}\mathrm{ThF}^+$ ions at JILA. While quantum state detection through state-selective photodissociation has been successfully implemented on this molecule, progress has been hindered by low dissociation efficiency. In this work, we perform spectroscopy on the molecule to identify excited states that facilitate more efficient photodissociation. For the most favorable transition, we achieve a dissociation efficiency of 57(14)% with quantum state selectivity. Additionally, we discuss several state detection protocols that leverage favorable excited states that will facilitate simultaneous readout of all EDM relevant states, allowing further improvement of overall statistics.