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Atomic and molecular interactions with photons is the study of the way in which the basic elements of matter interact with packets of electromagnetic energy. This interaction is determined largely by the electronic structure of atoms and molecules; photon absorption or emission is associated with an electron moving from one energy level to another.
This Perspective explores the potential of using tailored fields to investigate chiral matter and ultrafast chiral dynamics. Light fields with well-defined symmetry properties can open new opportunities for research in chiral light–matter interactions.
Rydberg atoms in optical tweezers are a promising platform for quantum information science. A platform composed of dual-species Rydberg arrays has been realized, offering access to unexplored interaction regimes and crosstalk-free midcircuit control.
Rydberg atoms are sensitive to radio frequency electric fields, which make them useful as sensors. This Technical Review discusses Rydberg sensors that measure the amplitude and phase of electric fields at frequencies from d.c. to THz, as well as technological applications of these sensors.
The one-dimensional laser cooling of positronium enables testing of quantum electrodynamics and could realize Bose–Einstein condensation in positronium.
A potential origin of homochirality in living organisms is the parity-violating energy difference between enantiomers. Here, the authors realize a technique to control rotational states of chiral molecules using microwave and ultraviolet radiation.
Time-resolved measurements of the X-ray photoemission delay of core-level electrons using attosecond soft X-ray pulses from a free-electron laser can be used to determine the complex correlated dynamics of photoionization.
An atom interferometer now maintains a spatial superposition state for 70 seconds, compared to few seconds in freely falling systems. This could improve measurements of the strength of gravitational fields and quantum gravity studies.
Interacting emitters are the fundamental building blocks of quantum optics and quantum information devices. Pairs of organic molecules embedded in a crystal can become permanently strongly interacting when they are pumped with intense laser light.
Precise frequencies of nearly forbidden transitions have been ascertained in the simplest molecule, the molecular hydrogen ion. This work offers a new perspective on precision measurements and fundamental physical tests with molecular spectroscopy.
A promising pathway towards the laser cooling of a molecule containing a radioactive atom has been identified. The unique structure of such a molecule means that it can act as a magnifying lens to probe fundamental physics.
Laser cooling of neutral and positively charged ions is well mastered, but cooling of anions remains largely unexplored. Now, laser-induced evaporative cooling of negatively charged molecules has been achieved.
