Erwin Schrödinger Center for Quantum Science & Technology (ESQ)

In this project, we aim to study interactions between the negative molecular ion C₂^- and laser-cooled Rb atoms in an atom-ion hybrid trap. This is a crucial step towards the production of sub-Kelvin-cold C₂^- by sympathetic cooling in collisions of these negative ions with ultracold Rb. The sympathetic cooling of C₂^- with the ultracold Rb buffer gas will allow us to reach kinetic energies corresponding to temperatures of only a few Kelvin or even sub-Kelvin temperatures, thus shifting the current temperature limit for negative ions into a new regime. This work will open up new opportunities for applications of negative ions in the field of quantum science and technology as well as for cold collision studies.

The ESQ Discovery Project allows me to kick-start the research activities in my new laboratory in Innsbruck.