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arXiv · 0801.3158

Precision measurements with polar molecules: the role of the black body radiation

Nicolas Vanhaecke·Olivier Dulieu
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Abstract

In the perspective of the outstanding developments of high-precision measurements of fundamental constants using polar molecules related to ultimate checks of fundamental theories, we investigate the possibly counterproductive role of black-body radiation on a series of diatomic molecules which would be trapped and observed for long durations. We show that the absorption of black-body radiation at room temperature may indeed limit the lifetime of trapped molecules prepared in a well-defined quantum state. Several examples are treated, corresponding to pure rotational absorption, pure vibrational absorption or both. We also investigate the role of a black-body radiation-induced energy shift on molecular levels and how it could affect high-precision frequency measurements.

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Nicolas Vanhaecke, Olivier Dulieu. 2008-01-21. Precision measurements with polar molecules: the role of the black body radiation. https://doi.org/10.1080/00268970701466261

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