David Hanneke

The ability to prepare molecular ions in selected quantum states enables studies in areas such as chemistry, metrology, spectroscopy, quantum information, and precision measurements. Here, we demonstrate $(2+1)$ resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) of oxygen, both in a molecular beam and in an ion trap. The two-photon transition in the REMPI spectrum is rotationally resolved, allowing ionization from a selected rovibrational state of O$_2$. Fits to this spectrum determine spectroscopic parameters of the O$_2$ $d\,^1Π_g$ state and resolve a discrepancy in the literature regarding its band origin. The trapped molecular ions are cooled by co-trapped atomic ions. Fluorescence mass spectrometry nondestructively demonstrates the presence of the photoionized O$_2^+$. We discuss strategies for maximizing the fraction of ions produced in the ground rovibrational state. For $(2+1)$ REMPI through the $d\,^1Π_g$ state, we show that the Q(1) transition is preferred for neutral O$_2$ at rotational temperatures below 50~K, while the O(3) transition is more suitable at higher temperatures. The combination of state-selective loading and nondestructive detection of trapped molecular ions has applications in optical clocks, tests of fundamental physics, and control of chemical reactions.

A wide range of quantum sensing technologies are rapidly being integrated into the experimental portfolio of the high energy physics community. Here we focus on sensing with atomic interferometers; mechanical devices read out with optical or microwave fields; precision spectroscopic methods with atomic, nuclear, and molecular systems; and trapped atoms and ions. We give a variety of detection targets relevant to particle physics for which these systems are uniquely poised to contribute. This includes experiments at the precision frontier like measurements of the electron dipole moment and electromagnetic fine structure constant and searches for fifth forces and modifications of Newton's law of gravity at micron-to-millimeter scales. It also includes experiments relevant to the cosmic frontier, especially searches for gravitional waves and a wide variety of dark matter candidates spanning heavy, WIMP-scale, light, and ultra-light mass ranges. We emphasize here the need for more developments both in sensor technology and integration into the broader particle physics community.

We generate coherent ultraviolet radiation at 313 nm as the third harmonic of an external-cavity diode laser. We use this radiation for laser cooling of trapped beryllium atomic ions and sympathetic cooling of co-trapped beryllium-hydride molecular ions. An LBO crystal in an enhancement cavity generates the second harmonic, and a BBO crystal in a doubly resonant enhancement cavity mixes this second harmonic with the fundamental to produce the third harmonic. Each enhancement cavity is preceded by a tapered amplifier to increase the fundamental light. The 36-mW output power of this all-semiconductor-gain system will enable quantum control of the beryllium ions' motion.