Progress towards a cold, optically trapped cloud of CaH molecules

Recent progress in the field of laser cooling and trapping of molecules has led to 3D magneto-optical traps (MOTs) of SrF, CaF, YO, and CaOH, and Sisyphus cooling of SrOH, YbOH, BaH, and CaOCH3. Here we present our progress towards laser cooling and trapping of another alkaline-earth monohydride species, CaH. First, we present experimental results on transverse Sisyphus cooling of a cold beam of CaH, and establish that a scattering rate of ~10⁶ s^-1 is achievable. We obtain good agreement with state-of-the-art optical Bloch equations and Monte Carlo simulations for both Doppler and Sisyphus-like forces. Next, we present our progress towards longitudinal white-light slowing of the molecular beam. With the application of the first three vibrational repumps, we expect to slow the molecular beam forward velocity to within the capture range of a MOT without significant loss to higher vibrational states. The ultracold CaH molecules created in this way could serve as a precursor to ultracold hydrogen. We will discuss potential dissociation pathways, including one-photon photodissociation and STIRAP. This work sets the stage for a MOT of the first alkaline-earth monohydride, and, eventually, a dilute cloud of trapped atomic hydrogen.