Optical control of BaF molecules trapped in neon ice

Abstract

We have trapped BaF molecules in neon ice and used laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy to map out their optical transitions. Our measurements show that the neon lattice does not significantly perturb certain optical transitions in trapped BaF molecules. We used one such transition to optically pump and detect spin resonances in the molecules. This demonstration of optical control of trapped heavy polar molecules offers opportunities to advance physical chemistry and ultra-high-energy physics.