Towards a quantum simulator using ultracold dipolar NaCs molecules in a fully controlled electric field

Polar molecules trapped in a 3D optical lattice assembled by optical tweezer arrays offer a compelling path towards quantum simulation due to the intrinsic field-tunable interactions and rich internal degrees of freedom of ultracold polar molecules. The dipolar interaction between molecules is long-range and of the order kHz in optical lattices, and can be controlled through DC electric fields and AC microwave fields. Building upon our first-generation molecular assembly experiment, which demonstrated the ability to fully control the rovibrational and hyperfine degrees of freedom of the molecule, we are constructing a new-generation setup to extend the molecular assembly to a much larger array with longer coherence times. We will implement an in-vacuum electrode system, capable of providing the large, stable, and homogeneous electric fields necessary to control the interactions, while also allowing high-resolution optical detection and addressing. We have designed an eight-rod electrode system in a squeezed octagon configuration based on finite-element simulation. Tests with a stable high voltage source will be performed to demonstrate that this electrode system can fully saturate the dipole moment of NaCs molecules while satisfying our homogeneity requirements. These ingredients enable a powerful quantum simulation architecture for the emulation of quantum magnetism.