| NSF Org: |
PHY Division Of Physics |
| Recipient: |
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| Initial Amendment Date: | August 11, 2020 |
| Latest Amendment Date: | September 7, 2022 |
| Award Number: | 2018443 |
| Award Instrument: | Standard Grant |
| Program Manager: |
John D. Gillaspy
PHY Division Of Physics MPS Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences |
| Start Date: | September 1, 2020 |
| End Date: | August 31, 2024 (Estimated) |
| Total Intended Award Amount: | $320,469.00 |
| Total Awarded Amount to Date: | $320,469.00 |
| Funds Obligated to Date: |
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| History of Investigator: |
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| Recipient Sponsored Research Office: |
1805 N BROAD ST PHILADELPHIA PA US 19122-6104 (215)707-7547 |
| Sponsor Congressional District: |
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| Primary Place of Performance: |
1801 North Broad Street,, 4 Philadelphia PA US 19122-6003 |
| Primary Place of
Performance Congressional District: |
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| Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): |
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| Parent UEI: |
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| NSF Program(s): |
Major Research Instrumentation, AMO Experiment/Atomic, Molecul |
| Primary Program Source: |
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| Program Reference Code(s): | |
| Program Element Code(s): |
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| Award Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Fund Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Assistance Listing Number(s): | 47.049 |
ABSTRACT
The goal of this project is to develop an apparatus to produce a highly controlled beam of molecules, integrated with a precise and highly controllable laser system for the purpose of spectroscopic and quantum optics studies. This forms an instrument that will allow the study of the response of molecules to different colors of laser light in a regime where collisions and other effects (line broadening) due to the random thermal motion of the molecules are greatly suppressed. Specifically, molecules with large magnetic moments (analogous to powerful but tiny bar magnets) will be studied. Such magnetic molecules can be controlled by the laser in a way that makes them simulate unusual solid materials that are engineered to outperform naturally occurring materials. In addition, the high power provided by the instrument?s laser system will allow for the development of control mechanisms with potential applications for quantum computing.
Atoms with partially filled inner shells exhibit large magnetic dipole moments which give rise to extremely large anisotropy in their interactions. Some of the best examples of such magnetic properties are found in the open f-shell lanthanides like dysprosium and erbium. Molecules formed by such atoms are expected to have even larger magnetic moments and offer novel dipolar properties. Very little is known about the electronic structure of such molecules because theoretical ab initio calculations are very challenging. The scientists carrying out this work plan to use this instrument for an experimental high-resolution spectroscopic study of the electronic structure of the lanthanide dimers. Such a spectroscopic study is important for the developing area of quantum magnetism. For molecular quantum control, the instrument?s laser system provides the electromagnetic field (light) needed to modify (?dress?) the energy levels of a molecule. The degree of dressing of the molecular states is dependent on the intensity of the laser radiation. The high power provided by the instrument's laser system will facilitate enhanced quantum control of molecular systems. The instrument?s molecular beam provides a collision free environment with long coherence times which is not available in typical thermal samples.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
PROJECT OUTCOMES REPORT
Disclaimer
This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.
During the funding period of the project an apparatus was built that allows the production of a beam of molecules with well-defined properties. In addition, a precise and controllable laser system was integrated with the apparatus to facilitate spectroscopic and quantum optics studies of various molecular species. The instrument provides a unique opportunity for bridging two traditionally separate research communities, those of high-resolution molecular spectroscopy and dynamics on one hand, and quantum optics and control on the other hand. The research activities enabled by the instrument enhance the training of undergraduate and graduate students at Temple University. Students who participated in the project gained valuable skills and knowledge in the fields of laser science, spectroscopy, and quantum optics.
The instrument is currently used to study diatomic molecules formed from atoms with large magnetic moments such as dysprosium and erbium. These molecules are expected to have unconventional magnetic properties and strong anisotropic interactions. However, their electronic structure is completely unknown experimentally. The studies will provide the missing critical data needed for the understanding of highly anisotropic short-range interactions and the realization of quantum gases of molecules with large magnetic moments. In addition, with the aid of the laser system acquired within the framework of the project the principal investigators were able to develop a method to produce oriented molecules. The method uses the interaction of light with matter at the quantum level (dressed states) to select specific rotational angular momentum projections in the laboratory frame. The ability to manipulate the rotational angular momentum of molecules makes it possible to obtain molecular frame information as well as allows control of physical and chemical processes whose rates are dependent on the orientation of the molecules.
Last Modified: 11/08/2024
Modified by: Ergin Ahmed
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