Quantum-state manipulation and magic trapping of molecules for metrology

Ultracold atomic and molecular technologies are transforming our ability to perform high-precision spectroscopy and apply it to time and frequency metrology. Many of the highest-performing clocks are based on laser-cooled atoms trapped in optical lattices. These clocks can be used to research fundamental questions, for example, to improve our understanding of gravity and general relativity. Here I will discuss using pure vibrational energy states of lattice-trapped ultracold diatomic molecules as a reference for clocks. Molecules have more internal quantum states compared to atoms and therefore are relatively challenging to control. On the other hand, they offer a large number of prospective clock transitions based on different types of quantum states, and can help us probe complementary aspects of new physical interactions. I will cover the current precision limit of molecular metrology as well as possible paths forward.