Laser cooling has not yet been extended to molecules because of their complex internal structure. At present, the only technique for producing ultracold molecules is to bind ultracold alkali atoms to produce bialkali molecules. These authors experimentally demonstrate laser cooling of the polar molecule strontium monofluoride, reaching temperatures of a few millikelvin or less. The technique should allow the production of molecules at microkelvin temperatures for species that are chemically distinct from bialkalis.
- E. S. Shuman
- J. F. Barry
- D. DeMille
