Laser Cooled Molecules for Quantum Science and Ultracold Chemistry

Ultracold molecules provide a versatile platform for a wide range of applications, spanning fundamental physics to quantum simulation and computation. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in laser cooling, enabling single quantum state control of polyatomic molecules. In this talk, we discuss recent advances in laser cooling polyatomic CaOH molecules, including the development of a blue-detuned conveyor-belt MOT, which has substantially increased molecular densities. The increase in density, in combination with full quantum state control, has allowed us to study quantum state specific polyatomic collision dynamics. Leveraging the complex internal structure of polyatomic molecules, we demonstrate control of collision rates by applying small electric fields and investigate shielding effects. Extending quantum control to more complex polyatomic molecules opens exciting new scientific opportunities. We present preliminary results on laser cooling asymmetric-top molecules, focusing on SrNH₂. These molecules offer potential for significantly enhanced coherence times in polyatomic systems through long-lived parity doublet states. Finally, we introduce a new laser-cooling experiment with CaF aimed at achieving higher densities, larger tweezer arrays, and higher-fidelity qubits.