Laser Spectroscopy of MgF

The vibrational degrees of freedom in molecules makes laser cooling a challenge. However, the same degrees of freedom may be used as a new tool for quantum sensing. Here, we use laser induced fluorescence to investigate the vibrational branching fractions of MgF to the first few vibrational levels. Additionally, we investigate the lifetime of the A2??1/2 state, the main cycling transition, which is an important parameter for laser cooling. These measurements will be instrumental next steps in making a MgF MOT toward quantum blackbody thermometry.