QSUM: Quantum Science with Ultracold Molecules
Lead Research Organisation:
Durham University
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
For over a century, scientists have been fascinated, and at times mystified, by quantum mechanics, the theory that governs atoms, molecules and, indeed, all matter at a microscopic level. Central to this theory are two concepts: (1) Wave-particle duality - the idea that particles, such as electrons in an atom, can behave like waves and that light waves can behave like particles, and (2) entanglement - the concept that once two (or more) particles have interacted, they cannot be treated as independent entities no matter how far apart they are. These inherently quantum phenomena are at the heart of a wide range of physical effects, but their role is often extremely difficult to elucidate. For example, in solid materials, where every atom interacts with many other atoms, it is very challenging to predict and understand how the quantum behaviour will manifest itself, and yet it leads to effects, such as high-temperature superconductivity and special forms of magnetism. Our Programme will advance the understanding of these complex quantum systems by studying the behaviour of molecules cooled to very low temperatures where we can isolate their quantum behaviour. In this respect, the use of molecules is crucial. Their rich internal structure means they couple strongly to electric and microwave fields, and interact with each other over a much greater distance compared with atoms. In advancing our understanding of the quantum science of molecules, we will also learn how to harness their properties to build new devices, including sensors of exceptional sensitivity, computers capable of solving previously unsolvable problems, and simulators that can design new materials, magnets and superconductors.
To study the quantum science of molecules in a controlled and systematic way, we need to develop the ability to manipulate the quantum properties of individual molecules. The first step towards this goal is to remove the thermal motion that normally hides their quantum behaviour. We have already developed methods to achieve this both using molecules in the solid state and in the gas-phase. In the solid state, we have demonstrated that certain organic dye molecules, when embedded in a suitable solid cooled to cryogenic temperatures, behave as near-ideal two-level quantum systems. Such molecules have the perfect properties to act as interfaces between quantum light and quantum matter - an essential building block of many future quantum devices. We will learn how to exploit these properties to generate single photons on demand, control individual photons, and store quantum information. In the gas phase, we have extended the methods of laser cooling and developed new techniques to cool molecules to within a millionth of a degree above absolute zero. In this quantum regime, it is possible to exert complete control over the internal state and motion of the molecules. With this control we can learn how to couple molecules to microwave and optical waveguides, to trap molecules on chips, to assemble ordered arrays of molecules that replicate the crystalline structure of real materials, and to explore how the interactions between molecules govern the behaviour of the many-particle system.
These ambitious goals calls for radical advances, which we will deliver through a set of interconnected experiments intimately linked to state-of-the-art theory. With isolated molecules we will develop the control of single molecules and their coupling to single photons; with small arrays of interacting molecules we will control interactions and entanglement in simple geometries; and with two- and three-dimensional lattices we will understand the complex behaviour of strongly interacting many-particle systems. Through these projects, our Programme will lay the foundations for a broad range of future scientific advances and technological applications based on the quantum control of molecules.
To study the quantum science of molecules in a controlled and systematic way, we need to develop the ability to manipulate the quantum properties of individual molecules. The first step towards this goal is to remove the thermal motion that normally hides their quantum behaviour. We have already developed methods to achieve this both using molecules in the solid state and in the gas-phase. In the solid state, we have demonstrated that certain organic dye molecules, when embedded in a suitable solid cooled to cryogenic temperatures, behave as near-ideal two-level quantum systems. Such molecules have the perfect properties to act as interfaces between quantum light and quantum matter - an essential building block of many future quantum devices. We will learn how to exploit these properties to generate single photons on demand, control individual photons, and store quantum information. In the gas phase, we have extended the methods of laser cooling and developed new techniques to cool molecules to within a millionth of a degree above absolute zero. In this quantum regime, it is possible to exert complete control over the internal state and motion of the molecules. With this control we can learn how to couple molecules to microwave and optical waveguides, to trap molecules on chips, to assemble ordered arrays of molecules that replicate the crystalline structure of real materials, and to explore how the interactions between molecules govern the behaviour of the many-particle system.
These ambitious goals calls for radical advances, which we will deliver through a set of interconnected experiments intimately linked to state-of-the-art theory. With isolated molecules we will develop the control of single molecules and their coupling to single photons; with small arrays of interacting molecules we will control interactions and entanglement in simple geometries; and with two- and three-dimensional lattices we will understand the complex behaviour of strongly interacting many-particle systems. Through these projects, our Programme will lay the foundations for a broad range of future scientific advances and technological applications based on the quantum control of molecules.
Planned Impact
QSUM will address fundamental questions in quantum science. The primary impacts will be new knowledge, new capability, the training of people, and improved public engagement. The stimulus we provide to new quantum technologies will benefit the economy and society in the longer term.
Knowledge:
We will learn how to use molecules to build and control strongly interacting many-body quantum systems, and how to handle and exploit complexity in such systems. We will learn to entangle molecules and explore their applications in quantum information processing. We will couple molecules to nanophotonic and microwave circuits and study how this capability might be used to make devices. The scientific knowledge and new techniques we generate will feed into a chain of research and development leading to new capability and technology across a range of disciplines, including condensed-matter physics, quantum technology and metrology. Our work will impact on two of the "Physics Grand Challenges" identified by EPSRC, namely "Emergence and Physics Far From Equilibrium" and "Quantum Physics for New Quantum Technologies".
People:
Our programme spans disciplines from quantum optics to condensed matter to chemistry, couples experiment and theory, and unites world-leading researchers in a truly collaborative effort. We will attract exceptional researchers, who will develop cutting-edge methods of quantum science and the capacity to become future leaders in Quantum Science and Technology. The postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers involved in this research will acquire expertise in electronics, numerical modelling, data analysis, laser science, optics, imaging, device physics, microwave engineering, software development, and statistics. These are all areas of importance for the UK economy and we expect to supply people to high-tech industry and numerically intensive commercial sectors, such as, finance, software modelling and consultancy.
Economy & Society:
In the short term, we expect to drive advances in high-tech equipment which can be exploited by UK manufacturers, because our research often requires us to extend the capabilities of commercially available equipment and to develop new devices.
In the long term, quantum science with molecules has the potential to generate a new wave of quantum technologies with social and economic benefits. Molecular sensors offer enhanced sensitivity to electric and microwave fields with applications in surface science, field calibration and the detection of weak signals. Molecules coupled to microwave and photonic circuits will provide single photons on demand to quantum networks, and be used as quantum non-demolition photon detectors and memories. Quantum simulation with molecules will address important problems in many-body physics, such as understanding high-temperature superconductors, and will aid the design of new materials and devices. Through our Advisory Group and links with the UK academic community we will engage with the UK National Quantum Technology Programme to identify promising technological applications of our research at an early stage.
Public engagement:
Our outreach activities will help ensure that the public is fully engaged with science and recognises its importance to society. We will present simple explanations of our work to schools and the wider community, and will work with a recognised artist to develop innovative approaches to communicating the subtleties of quantum science to a general audience. We will also promote our research to policy-makers in the UK and at the European level to help maintain the support of physical sciences research.
Knowledge:
We will learn how to use molecules to build and control strongly interacting many-body quantum systems, and how to handle and exploit complexity in such systems. We will learn to entangle molecules and explore their applications in quantum information processing. We will couple molecules to nanophotonic and microwave circuits and study how this capability might be used to make devices. The scientific knowledge and new techniques we generate will feed into a chain of research and development leading to new capability and technology across a range of disciplines, including condensed-matter physics, quantum technology and metrology. Our work will impact on two of the "Physics Grand Challenges" identified by EPSRC, namely "Emergence and Physics Far From Equilibrium" and "Quantum Physics for New Quantum Technologies".
People:
Our programme spans disciplines from quantum optics to condensed matter to chemistry, couples experiment and theory, and unites world-leading researchers in a truly collaborative effort. We will attract exceptional researchers, who will develop cutting-edge methods of quantum science and the capacity to become future leaders in Quantum Science and Technology. The postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers involved in this research will acquire expertise in electronics, numerical modelling, data analysis, laser science, optics, imaging, device physics, microwave engineering, software development, and statistics. These are all areas of importance for the UK economy and we expect to supply people to high-tech industry and numerically intensive commercial sectors, such as, finance, software modelling and consultancy.
Economy & Society:
In the short term, we expect to drive advances in high-tech equipment which can be exploited by UK manufacturers, because our research often requires us to extend the capabilities of commercially available equipment and to develop new devices.
In the long term, quantum science with molecules has the potential to generate a new wave of quantum technologies with social and economic benefits. Molecular sensors offer enhanced sensitivity to electric and microwave fields with applications in surface science, field calibration and the detection of weak signals. Molecules coupled to microwave and photonic circuits will provide single photons on demand to quantum networks, and be used as quantum non-demolition photon detectors and memories. Quantum simulation with molecules will address important problems in many-body physics, such as understanding high-temperature superconductors, and will aid the design of new materials and devices. Through our Advisory Group and links with the UK academic community we will engage with the UK National Quantum Technology Programme to identify promising technological applications of our research at an early stage.
Public engagement:
Our outreach activities will help ensure that the public is fully engaged with science and recognises its importance to society. We will present simple explanations of our work to schools and the wider community, and will work with a recognised artist to develop innovative approaches to communicating the subtleties of quantum science to a general audience. We will also promote our research to policy-makers in the UK and at the European level to help maintain the support of physical sciences research.
Publications
Mukherjee B
(2024)
Controlling collisional loss and scattering lengths of ultracold dipolar molecules with static electric fields
in Physical Review Research
Hughes M
(2023)
Accuracy of quantum simulators with ultracold dipolar molecules: A quantitative comparison between continuum and lattice descriptions
in Physical Review A
Mukherjee B
(2023)
Shielding collisions of ultracold CaF molecules with static electric fields
Das A
(2023)
An association sequence suitable for producing ground-state RbCs molecules in optical lattices
in SciPost Physics
Frye M
(2023)
Long-range states and Feshbach resonances in collisions between ultracold alkali-metal diatomic molecules and atoms
in Physical Review Research
Walschaers M
(2023)
Emergent complex quantum networks in continuous-variables non-Gaussian states
in Quantum Science and Technology
Etrych J
(2023)
Pinpointing Feshbach resonances and testing Efimov universalities in K 39
in Physical Review Research
Ruttley DK
(2023)
Formation of Ultracold Molecules by Merging Optical Tweezers.
in Physical review letters
Mukherjee B
(2023)
Shielding collisions of ultracold CaF molecules with static electric fields
in Physical Review Research
Bird R
(2023)
Making molecules by mergoassociation: Two atoms in adjacent nonspherical optical traps
in Physical Review Research
Mukherjee B
(2023)
Magnetic Feshbach resonances between atoms in S 2 and P 0 3 states: Mechanisms and dependence on atomic properties
in Physical Review Research
Raghuram AP
(2023)
A motorized rotation mount for the switching of an optical beam path in under 20 ms using polarization control.
in The Review of scientific instruments
Bird R
(2023)
Tunable Feshbach resonances in collisions of ultracold molecules in 2 S states with alkali-metal atoms
in Physical Review Research
Blackmore J
(2023)
Diatomic-py: A Python module for calculating the rotational and hyperfine structure of 1S molecules
in Computer Physics Communications
Fasoulakis A
(2023)
Uniaxial strain tuning of organic molecule single photon sources
in Nanoscale
Spence S
(2022)
Preparation of 87 Rb and 133 Cs in the motional ground state of a single optical tweezer
in New Journal of Physics
Schofield R
(2022)
Photon indistinguishability measurements under pulsed and continuous excitation
in Physical Review Research
Hughes M
(2022)
Dipolar Bose-Hubbard model in finite-size real-space cylindrical lattices
in Physical Review A
Brooks R
(2022)
Feshbach spectroscopy of Cs atom pairs in optical tweezers
in New Journal of Physics
Schofield RC
(2022)
Narrow and Stable Single Photon Emission from Dibenzoterrylene in para-Terphenyl Nanocrystals.
in Chemphyschem : a European journal of chemical physics and physical chemistry
Rubio A
(2022)
A new Hall for quantum protection.
in Science (New York, N.Y.)
Coleman Z
(2022)
Exact analytical solution of the driven qutrit in an open quantum system: V and ? configurations
in Journal of Physics B: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Brookes SGH
(2022)
Interaction Potential for NaCs for Ultracold Scattering and Spectroscopy.
in The journal of physical chemistry. A
Brooks R
(2022)
Feshbach Spectroscopy of Cs Atom Pairs in Optical Tweezers
Zhang C
(2022)
Quantum Computation in a Hybrid Array of Molecules and Rydberg Atoms
in PRX Quantum
Mukherjee B
(2022)
Feshbach resonances and molecule formation in ultracold mixtures of Rb and Yb ( P 3 ) atoms
in Physical Review A
Guo Z
(2022)
Improved characterization of Feshbach resonances and interaction potentials between Na 23 and Rb 87 atoms
in Physical Review A
Franzen T
(2022)
Observation of magnetic Feshbach resonances between Cs and Yb 173
in Physical Review Research
Dhar A
(2022)
Dynamics for the Haldane phase in the bilinear-biquadratic model
in Physical Review B
Cornish SL
(2022)
Toward a coherent ultracold chemistry.
in Science (New York, N.Y.)
Wilson K
(2021)
Dynamics of a degenerate Cs-Yb mixture with attractive interspecies interactions
in Physical Review Research
Gregory P
(2021)
Robust storage qubits in ultracold polar molecules
in Nature Physics
Frye M
(2021)
Complexes formed in collisions between ultracold alkali-metal diatomic molecules and atoms
in New Journal of Physics
Guo Z
(2021)
Lee-Huang-Yang effects in the ultracold mixture of Na 23 and Rb 87 with attractive interspecies interactions
in Physical Review Research
Mitchell M
(2021)
Floquet Solitons and Dynamics of Periodically Driven Matter Waves with Negative Effective Mass.
in Physical review letters
Yu Y
(2021)
Coherent Optical Creation of a Single Molecule
in Physical Review X
Description | Dilute Quantum Fluids Beyond the Mean-Field |
Amount | £805,212 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/T015241/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2020 |
End | 03/2025 |
Description | ORQUID - ORganic QUantum Integrated Devices |
Amount | £323,145 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/R044031/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2018 |
End | 01/2021 |