Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The master’s student will contribute to the development of a new-generation molecular clock dedicated to precision vibrational spectroscopy of cold molecules in the gas phase. This cutting-edge platform combines cold molecule research and frequency metrology, enabling fundamental tests of physics beyond the Standard Model. A key first objective is the measurement of the tiny electroweak-induced energy difference between enantiomers of a chiral molecule—a direct signature of parity (left-right symmetry) violation and a sensitive probe of dark matter.
Molecules, with their rich internal structure, offer unique opportunities compared to atoms for precision measurements. They are increasingly used to test fundamental symmetries, measure fundamental constants and their possible time variations, and search for dark matter. Such experiments rely on ultra-precise determination of molecular transition frequencies, requiring advanced techniques familiar in atomic physics: selective state control, high detection efficiency, long coherence times, and cooling of internal and external degrees of freedom.
The student will play an active role in early developments of the experiment, including: setting up mid-infrared quantum cascade laser systems at 6.4 μm and 15.5 μm to probe molecular vibrations; and performing first Doppler and sub-Doppler absorption spectroscopy on cold molecules (~1 K) generated in a novel apparatus.
Contact
Mathieu Manceau
Laboratory : Laboratoire de physique des lasers - UMR7538
Team : Métrologie, Molécules et Tests Fondamentaux
Team Website
Team : Métrologie, Molécules et Tests Fondamentaux
Team Website