Towards a test of ultrashort-range forces using a strontium molecular clock

Homonuclear diatomic molecules provide a rich platform for metrology as well as tests of quantum chemistry and fundamental physics, including unique advantages in searches for fifth forces and tests of the temporal variation of fundamental constants. We have completed a measurement of the largest vibrational transition in the ⁸⁸Sr₂ isotopologue and performed its full systematic characterization. We discuss progress toward improved clock precision, including the potential for state-selective suppression of blackbody radiation (BBR) shifts and steps toward reducing systematic uncertainties and increasing the duration of coherent clock-state manipulation. We also discuss using clock transitions in bosonic isotopologues of strontium dimers in order to place constraints on ultrashort-range forces at the nanometer scale.