Mainz 2026 – scientific programme

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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik

Q 41: Poster – Quantum Technologies II & Laser Technology

Q 41.20: Poster

Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 17:00–19:00, Philo 2. OG

Rotational state preparation of CaOH⁺ — •Miriam Kautzky, Brandon Furey, Zhenlin Wu, Mariano Isaza-Monsalve, Tim Duka, Max Koppelstätter, and Philipp Schindler — Institut für Experimentalphysik, Universität Innsbruck, Austria

Molecules possess complex degrees of freedom not available in atoms, making them excellent systems for testing fundamental physics through spectroscopy of their internal structure. Their quantum mechanical rotation is a potential resource for quantum technologies and enables quantum error correction (QEC) codes that protect against spontaneous decay. Preparing molecules in pure rotational states is essential for implementing such codes and for spectroscopic methods relying on quantum logic. We aim to cool molecules to low rotational levels and prepare specific rotational levels with Raman interactions. We are developing an experimental setup to achieve rotational level cooling and level preparation of CaOH⁺ ions with spectrally shaped broadband laser pulses on a vibrational transition. Spectral shaping enables rotational cooling by driving only specific rovibrational transition bands and thus allowing selective population transfer. It requires precise control of the laser spectrum to target only P-branch transitions. While rotational ground-state cooling has previously been demonstrated, precise control over rotational states, particularly in polyatomic molecules, remains less explored. Achieving this control could enable exploration of quantum information processing and QEC with trapped molecular ions.

Keywords: Trapped Ions; Molecular Ions; Rotational Cooling; State Preparation