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Ultracold molecules that interact from afar form elusive quantum state

A gas of molecules that interact over long distances has been cooled to mere nanokelvins, resulting in the emergence of a state known as a Bose–Einstein condensate — the first of its kind in this type of molecular system.
  1. Lauriane Chomaz

    1. Lauriane Chomaz is at the Institute of Physics, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.

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Three decades ago, physicists created a curious quantum state by controlling a collection of individual atoms using light and magnetic fields1. By cooling this gas-like group of atoms to ultracold temperatures, the researchers produced a Bose–Einstein condensate — a state in which the particles of matter (here, the atoms) collectively form a macroscopic quantum wave. The achievement transformed research in quantum physics by giving scientists access to quantum behaviours in well-controlled and tunable settings2. But generalizing the approach to objects that interact strongly and in complex ways is challenging, such that many behaviours have remained beyond the scope of the platform. Writing in Nature, Bigagli et al.3 report the realization of another Bose–Einstein condensate — this time, in an ultracold gas of polar molecules.

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Nature 631, 283-284 (2024)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-02134-w

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Competing Interests

The author declares no competing interests.

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