A Quantum Optics Toolbox for Polyatomic Molecules

We present a combination of techniques to manipulate the external and internal degrees of freedom of polyatomic molecules. A novel microstructured electric trap\footnote{M. Zeppenfeld {\it et al.}, Phys. Rev. A {\bf 80}, 041401 (2009)}$^,$\footnote{B.G.U. Englert {\it et al.}, Phys. Rev. Lett {\bf 107}, 263003 (2011)} provides ideal motional control for polar molecules, generating a box-like potential with tuneable homogeneous electric fields over a large fraction of the trap volume and high trapping fields only near the trap boundary. The combination with radiation fields to manipulate the internal degrees of freedom allows full control of the molecules. Specifically, microwave and RF fields couple rotational states. Vibrational excitation via an infrared laser provides a dissipative spontaneous decay. The homogeneous fields inside the trap allow individual states to be selectively addressed. As first applications, we have realized adiabatic cooling\footnote{Ibid.} and opto-electrical cooling.\footnote{Zeppenfeld, op. sit.} Further improvements will allow fundamental experiments with a wide range of polyatomic molecules at ultracold temperatures.