We propose a method for sensitive parallel detection of low-frequency electromagnetic fields based on the fine structure interactions in paramagnetic polar molecules. Compared to the recently implemented scheme employing ultracold ${}^{87}$ Rb atoms by B\"ohi et al. [Appl. Phys. Lett. 97, 051101 (2010)], the technique based on molecules offers a 100-fold higher sensitivity, the possibility to measure both the electric and magnetic field components, and a probe of a wide range of frequencies from the dc limit to the THz regime.We propose a method for sensitive parallel detection of low-frequency electromagnetic fields based on the fine structure interactions in paramagnetic polar molecules. Compared to the recently implemented scheme employing ultracold ${}^{87}$Rb atoms by B\"ohi et al. [Appl. Phys. Lett. 97, 051101 (2010)], the technique based on molecules offers a 100-fold higher sensitivity, the possibility to measure both the electric and magnetic field components, and a probe of a wide range of frequencies from the dc limit to the THz regime.

arXiv:1202.1857Physical Review AJul 13, 201225 citations

Towards Microwave Trapping of Cold Polar Molecules

Y.-C. Chen, C. Hsieh, T.-S. Ku +2 more

Bulletin of the American Physical SocietyMar 14, 20080 citations

Cold Polar Molecules and Applications

John M. Doyle

Bulletin of the American Physical SocietyMay 30, 20080 citations

Fine and hyperfine interactions in cold YbF-He collisions in electromagnetic fields

Timur V. Tscherbul, Jacek A. Kłos, Łukasz Rajchel +1 more

We present a rigorous study of cold and ultracold collisions of $\mathrm{Yb}\mathrm{F}(^{2}\ensuremath{\Sigma})$ molecules with He atoms in external electric and magnetic fields based on an accurate calculation of the interaction potential surface and quantum theory of atom-molecule scattering. We analyze the mechanisms of collisional depolarization of the electron and nuclear spins of YbF and demonstrate that the rate constants for elastic and inelastic collisions of YbF with He are sensitive to the magnitudes of the applied fields. Collisions of heavy polar molecules like YbF may thus be easily manipulated with external electromagnetic fields. We show that collisional spin relaxation of YbF molecules in rotationally excited states is suppressed by electric fields much more significantly than the spin relaxation in the ground rotational state. We explain this by the influence of electric-field-induced Feshbach resonances, which occur at much lower collision energies when the molecule is rotationally excited. Our results suggest that heavy polar molecules may be amenable to magnetic trapping in a buffer gas of He, which could greatly enhance the sensitivity of spectroscopic experiments to measure the electric dipole moment of the electron.We present a rigorous study of cold and ultracold collisions of $\mathrm{Yb}\mathrm{F}(^{2}\ensuremath{\Sigma})$ molecules with He atoms in external electric and magnetic fields based on an accurate calculation of the interaction potential surface and quantum theory of atom-molecule scattering. We analyze the mechanisms of collisional depolarization of the electron and nuclear spins of YbF and demonstrate that the rate constants for elastic and inelastic collisions of YbF with He are sensitive to the magnitudes of the applied fields. Collisions of heavy polar molecules like YbF may thus be easily manipulated with external electromagnetic fields. We show that collisional spin relaxation of YbF molecules in rotationally excited states is suppressed by electric fields much more significantly than the spin relaxation in the ground rotational state. We explain this by the influence of electric-field-induced Feshbach resonances, which occur at much lower collision energies when the molecule is rotationally excited. Our results suggest that heavy polar molecules may be amenable to magnetic trapping in a buffer gas of He, which could greatly enhance the sensitivity of spectroscopic experiments to measure the electric dipole moment of the electron.

Physical Review AMar 26, 200743 citations

{}^{87}

Rb atoms by B\"ohi et al. [Appl. Phys. Lett. 97, 051101 (2010)], the technique based on molecules offers a 100-fold higher sensitivity, the possibility to measure both the electric and magnetic field components, and a probe of a wide range of frequencies from the dc limit to the THz regime.