Saturday 22 March 2025
Scientists have long sought to create a new class of molecules that can exist in extremely cold temperatures, a feat that could unlock new possibilities for fields like chemistry and physics. Now, researchers have made a major breakthrough in this area by successfully forming triatomic molecules – molecules composed of three atoms – using ultracold techniques.
Triatomic molecules are particularly interesting because they can exhibit complex behavior not seen in simpler molecules. They’re also notoriously difficult to create, as the atoms need to be precisely aligned and cooled to near absolute zero temperatures. But researchers have finally cracked the code, using a combination of advanced laser technology and clever manipulation of electromagnetic fields to coax the atoms into forming stable triatomic structures.
The process begins with a mixture of ultracold alkali metal atoms and diatomic molecules – molecules composed of two atoms. The scientists then use a carefully tuned laser beam to stimulate photoassociation, a process where one atom from the gas collides with a molecule, forming a new bond that creates a third atom. This new bond is incredibly weak, which is why it’s only stable at extremely low temperatures.
To create the triatomic molecules, the researchers used a technique called electric microwave association, which relies on the intrinsic electric dipole moment of the diatomic molecule to drive transitions between its lowest rotational levels. In other words, they used a specific type of electromagnetic radiation to nudge the atoms into forming the desired bond.
The result is a stable, ultracold triatomic molecule that can be studied and manipulated in ways previously impossible. The scientists are excited about the potential implications of this breakthrough, which could lead to new insights into chemical reactions, molecular properties, and even the behavior of matter at extremely low temperatures.
One of the most promising areas of research is the study of chemical reactions involving these triatomic molecules. By observing how they interact with other molecules, scientists may be able to gain a better understanding of complex chemical processes that occur in nature – processes like atmospheric chemistry or biological reactions.
The researchers are also exploring the potential applications of these ultracold molecules in fields like quantum computing and precision measurement. The extremely cold temperatures required to create these molecules could enable new types of quantum computations, while their unique properties could be used to improve the accuracy of precision measurements.
For now, this breakthrough represents a major milestone in the quest to understand and manipulate matter at the molecular level.
Cite this article: “Scientists Successfully Form Triatomic Molecules at Ultracold Temperatures”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Molecules, Ultracold, Triatomic, Alkali Metal, Diatomic, Laser Technology, Electromagnetic Fields, Photoassociation, Electric Microwave Association, Quantum Computing
