ECAMP 15

Quantum state-selected scattering at low temperatures is essential for understanding molecular reaction dynamics and the chemistry of astrophysical processes. A key aspect of these studies is the use of techniques that cool reactants and precisely select their quantum states. We have recently enhanced our research capabilities by integrating a laser-cooled ion trap with a high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS) and fluorescence imaging. Additionally, we have developed a cooling apparatus for Be⁺ and C⁺ ions that achieves sub-kelvin temperatures using laser and sympathetic cooling. This setup provides meticulous control over ion micromotion, significantly improving our ability to explore ion-molecule reactions across diverse collision energies. Furthermore, by leveraging ion motional heating, we have achieved two-dimensional cooling of Be⁺ ions without the need for repump laser beams.
Moreover, our setup incorporates a stimulated Raman pumping (SRP) system paired with a fast chopper to achieve high-efficiency molecular state selection for H₂ and N₂. Furthermore, by integrating a cavity-enhanced infrared excitation scheme with a milliwatt laser, we achieved over 30% efficiency in exciting the overtone transition of CO (v=3), enabling detailed studies of state-selected reaction dynamics. In this talk, I will discuss recent advancements in this project, as well as ongoing ion-molecule reaction studies utilizing these systems.