Measuring Fundamental Symmetry Violation in Polyatomic Molecules

This thesis presents major advances toward the realization of quantum control in complex molecules for applications in precision metrology. Polyatomic molecules engineered to be sensitive to new fundamental particles and forces are a powerful platform to search for physics beyond the Standard Model. A major limitation to this application, as well as any other relying on the complete quantum control of complex polyatomic molecules, is that fully understanding them remains a research frontier. This thesis represents several major steps toward the goal of quantum control in complex molecules, including tailored laser-driven chemistry to enhance their production, high-resolution spectroscopy to understand their structure, including the critical role of symmetry, and successful implementation of coherent quantum control. This thesis lays the foundation for fundamental studies in nuclear physics, particle physics, and physical chemistry using engineered, quantum-controlled molecules.

1 Introduction.- 2 Molecules.- 3 Producing Cold Molecules.- 4 YbOH Spectroscopy.- 5 State Preparation and Measurement.- 6 Conclusions.

Arian Jadbabaie is an NSF MPS-Ascend Postdoctoral Fellow working on laser cooling radioactive molecules as part of the RaX Collaboration, a joint effort between the Garcia Ruiz Group at MIT and the Doyle Group at Harvard. He completed his PhD at Caltech in 2023 under the supervision of Nick Hutzler, where he developed experiments to investigate fundamental symmetry violations using polyatomic molecules. Arian earned his undergraduate degree in physics at Washington University in St. Louis in 2015, where he conducted research on weak measurements of superconducting circuits with Kater Murch. During a gap year, he worked as a SULI intern at Brookhaven National Laboratory on neutrino detection and at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on CMB polarization detection. Arian is passionate about science outreach and has volunteered extensively at science events, aiming to inspire curiosity and excitement about the universe. In addition to his scientific pursuits, he enjoys science fiction, gaming, soccer, exploring strange molecular structure, and engaging with the intersection of art and physics.