Long-lived multilevel coherences and spin-1 dynamics encoded in the rotational states of ultracold molecules
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Rotational states of ultracold polar molecules possess long lifetimes, microwave-domain coupling, and tunable dipolar interactions. The availability of numerous rotational states has inspired many applications, including simulating quantum magnetism, encoding high-dimensional qudits and generating large synthetic dimensions. However, engineering the coherent superpositions of multiple rotational states needed for these applications is difficult owing to strong differential light shifts. Here, we overcome this challenge using individual molecules confined in near-magic wavelength optical tweezers. Through precision Ramsey spectroscopy, we find the exact magic wavelengths and sensitivities to detuning errors for multiple rotational state superpositions. We find for traps polarised parallel to the quantisation axis, the magic wavelengths are closely clustered enabling long-lived coherence across multiple rotational states simultaneously. Using a generalised Ramsey sequence, we demonstrate second-scale coherent spin-1 dynamics encoded in three rotational states and perform multiparameter estimation. With modest experimental improvements, we predict second-scale coherence across ten rotational states is achievable.
Source: Nature Communications
Institutions: Durham University, Leibniz University Hannover
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,990
Awards: G1982148854, G2069178566, G2313409538, SimPoMol: Quantum Simulation with Ultracold Polar Molecules, QSUM: Quantum Science with Ultracold Molecules, G4195661135, Developing Molecular Quantum Technologies, Interfacing Ultracold Polar Molecules with Rydberg atoms: A Hybrid Platform for Quantum Science, G6303596684
OpenAlex ID: W4405654190