The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has successfully demonstrated a new protocol for controlling complex molecules, expanding quantum technology beyond the single atoms currently used in devices. The team utilized a technique called quantum logic spectroscopy, where a calcium ion acts as a “helper” to cool and manipulate a charged calcium monohydride molecule. This experiment achieved a 99.8% success rate, maintaining the molecule’s state for roughly 18 seconds, which is ten times longer than at room temperature.
This breakthrough suggests molecules could soon enhance quantum sensors and atomic clocks by detecting specific frequencies of thermal radiation with greater accuracy. While precise control over chemical reactions remains a long-term goal, the tools developed are adaptable for various molecular species. This development is currently in the experimental phase but promises to expand the range of materials usable in quantum information science and precision sensing applications.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2025/12/nist-physicists-bring-unruly-molecules-quantum-party
Keywords: molecular ions, quantum logic spectroscopy, rotational states
