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arXiv · 1506.06505

Laser Cooling of Molecular Anions

Pauline Yzombard·Mehdi Hamamda·Sebastian Gerber·Michael Doser·Daniel Comparat
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Abstract

We propose a scheme for laser cooling of negatively charged molecules. We briefly summarise the requirements for such laser cooling and we identify a number of potential candidates. A detailed computation study with C$\_2^-$, the most studied molecular anion, is carried out. Simulations of 3D laser cooling in a gas phase show that this molecule could be cooled down to below 1 mK in only a few tens of milliseconds, using standard lasers. Sisyphus cooling, where no photo-detachment process is present, as well as Doppler laser cooling of trapped C$\_2^-$, are also simulated. This cooling scheme has an impact on the study of cold molecules, molecular anions, charged particle sources and antimatter physics.

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Pauline Yzombard, Mehdi Hamamda, Sebastian Gerber, Michael Doser, Daniel Comparat. 2015-06-22. Laser Cooling of Molecular Anions. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.114.213001

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