Laser cooled polyatomic molecules for quantum science applications

The degrees of freedom inherent to polyatomic molecules allow for new applications spanning the fields of quantum simulation, ultracold chemistry, and precision measurement. For example, closely spaced opposite parity levels in low-lying vibrational states enable full polarization of the molecule at weak electric fields, which is highly desired for quantum science applications. Here we present progress towards optical trapping of CaOH molecules in the vibrational bending mode of the electronic ground state and discuss relevant spectroscopy of this state for its potential use in quantum simulation and computation. In addition, we discuss the creation of an optical tweezer array of CaOH molecules. The single particle control lent by this platform will open the door to future efforts studying interactions between molecules in optical traps.