| Project Detail |
Molecules have a vast number of quantum states with different properties in a small space due to their numerous degrees of freedom. These offer opportunities for metrology and quantum information far beyond what is possible with atomic systems, a leading quantum technology. The hydrogen molecular ion H2+ is the simplest stable molecule and can be calculated to extremely high precision ab initio. Combining these theoretical predictions with accurate measurements it is possible to test fundamental physics theory and to determine fundamental constants. This project aims to perform the first high-precision spectroscopy of a rovibrational overtone transition of a single hydrogen molecular ion (H2+). The single-ion regime benefits from a strong suppression of many systematic errors, but necessitates excellent quantum control. We aim to implement quantum control of H2+ through quantum logic operations that couple it to an additional well controlled atomic `helper ion (Be+), a technique that powers the worlds best atomic clocks and was recently demonstrated with molecular ions. Our results could allow a re-definition of the proton-electron mass ratio, probe new physics beyond the Standard Model of particle physics by estimating the time variation of the proton-electron mass ratio in a new system, and provide determination of the proton charge radius in a new system. |
