This thesis describes how the rich internal degrees of freedom of molecules can be exploited to construct the first “clock” based on ultracold molecules, rather than atoms. By holding the molecules in an optical lattice trap, the vibrational clock is engineered to have a high oscillation quality factor, facilitating the full characterization of frequency shifts affecting the clock at the hertz level. The prototypical vibrational molecular clock is shown to have a systematic fractional uncertainty at the 14th decimal place, matching the performance of the earliest optical atomic lattice clocks. As part of this effort, deeply bound strontium dimers are coherently created, and ultracold collisions of these Van der Waals molecules are studied for the first time, revealing inelastic losses at the universal rate. The thesis reports one of the most accurate measurements of a molecule’s vibrational transition frequency to date. The molecular clock lays the groundwork for explorations into terahertz metrology, quantum chemistry, and fundamental interactions at atomic length scales.

This thesis unites the fields of optical atomic clocks and ultracold molecular science, laying the foundation for optical molecular measurements of unprecedented precision. Building upon optical manipulation techniques developed by the atomic clock community, this work delves into attaining surgical control of molecular quantum states. The thesis develops two experimental observables that one can measure with optical-lattice-trapped ultracold molecules: extremely narrow optical spectra, and angular distributions of photofragments that are ejected when the diatomic molecules are dissociated by laser light pulses. The former allows molecular spectroscopy approaching the level of atomic clocks, leading into molecular metrology and tests of fundamental physics. The latter opens the field of ultracold chemistry through observation of quantum effects such as matter-wave interference of photofragments and tunneling through reaction barriers. The thesis also describes a discovery of a new method of thermometry that can be used near absolute zero temperatures for particles lacking cycling transitions, solving a long-standing experimental problem in atomic and molecular physics.

Advances in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics publishes reviews of recent developments in a field which is in a state of rapid growth, as new experimental and theoretical techniques are used on many old and new problems. Topics covered include related applied areas, such as atmospheric science, astrophysics, surface physics and laser physics. Articles are written by distinguished experts, and contain both relevant review material and detailed descriptions of important recent developments. International experts Comprehensive articles New developments

Advances in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics, Volume 67, provides a comprehensive compilation of recent developments in a field that is in a state of rapid growth. Topics covered include related applied areas, such as atmospheric science, astrophysics, surface physics, and laser physics, with timely articles written by distinguished experts that contain relevant review materials and detailed descriptions of important developments in the field. - Presents the work of international experts in the field - Contains comprehensive articles that compile recent developments in a field that is experiencing rapid growth, with new experimental and theoretical techniques emerging - Ideal for users interested in optics, excitons, plasmas and thermodynamics - Topics covered include atmospheric science, astrophysics, and surface and laser physics, amongst others

Space-based laboratory research in fundamental physics is an emerging research discipline that offers great discovery potential and at the same time could drive the development of technological advances which are likely to be important to scientists and technologists in many other different research fields. The articles in this review volume have been contributed by participants of the international workshop “From Quantum to Cosmos: Fundamental Physics Research in Space” held at the Airlie Center in Warrenton, Virginia, USA, on May 21-24, 2006. This unique volume discusses the advances in our understanding of fundamental physics that are anticipated in the near future, and evaluates the discovery potential of a number of recently proposed space-based gravitational experiments. Specific research areas covered include various tests of general relativity and alternative theories, search of physics beyond the Standard Model, investigations of possible violations of the equivalence principle, search for new hypothetical long- and short-range forces, variations of fundamental constants, tests of Lorentz invariance and attempts at unification of the fundamental interactions. The book also encompasses experiments aimed at the discovery of novel phenomena, including dark matter candidates, and studies of dark energy.

The TCP06 conference in Canada showcased the impressive progress in the study of fundamental physics using trapped charged particles. The combination of overview articles by leaders in the field and detailed reports on recent research results will without doubt make these proceedings an extremely useful reference for researchers within the community, but also for those who study similar physics with different techniques, or use trapping methods for different purposes.

ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS: Introduction to Advanced Topics introduces advanced topics of Atomic and Molecular Collision Physics covering Atomic structure calculations, Photoionization of atomic systems, Electron-atom collisions, Ion-atom collisions, Collisions involving exotic particles, Ultracold atoms and Bose-Einstein condensation as well as Atomic data and Plasma diagnostics. This volume is very useful to start research in theoretical and experimental Atomic and Molecular Physics. The book is also helpful to those working in interrelated research areas like Laser physics, Astrophysics and Plasma and Fusion research where such a background of theoretical Atomic Collision Physics is an integral part.