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High Compression Blue-Detuned Magneto-Optical Trap of Polyatomic Molecules

Christian Hallas*, Grace K. Li, Nathaniel B. Vilas, Paige Robichaud, Loïc Anderegg, and John M. Doyle

  • *Contact author: christianhallas@g.harvard.edu

Phys. Rev. Lett. 136, 133402 – Published 1 April, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/w9qc-rczf

Abstract

We demonstrate a blue-detuned magneto-optical trap (MOT) of a polyatomic molecule, calcium monohydroxide (CaOH). We identify a novel MOT frequency configuration that produces high spatial compression of the molecular cloud. This high compression MOT achieves a cloud radius of 59(5)  μm and a peak density of 8(2)×108  cm−3. We experimentally compare several blue-detuned MOT schemes for CaOH and find good agreement between our data and Monte Carlo simulations.

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Viewpoint

Polyatomic Molecules Get Two Steps Closer to Quantum Horizon

Published 1 April, 2026

Researchers have improved trapping of polyatomic molecules while also controlling their collisions—two important advances for ultracold polyatomic molecular physics.

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