NIST Platform for Realizing Integrated Molecule Experiments (PRIME)
This project aims to improve molecule cooling & trapping techniques, create a laser-cooled molecule fountain, and enable precise measurements for various applications.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: February 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: $82,764 base stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; typical appointment duration is 2 years.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral research at NIST to develop novel molecule cooling and trapping techniques, including creating a laser-cooled molecule fountain for precision measurements.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens with a doctoral degree earned within the last 5 years; requires contacting a research adviser prior to application.
Description
This fellowship opportunity at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the NRC Research Associateship Programs focuses on advancing the field of molecular physics through innovative laser cooling and trapping techniques. The project aims to overcome the technical challenges posed by the complex internal states of molecules to achieve a record number of cold trapped molecules (N > 10^6). A key goal is to demonstrate the first laser-cooled molecule fountain, a technology that allows molecules to be used as ultra-precise sensors free from perturbations caused by trapping fields.
The molecule fountain technology enables sensitive measurements applicable to fundamental physics tests, such as parity violation in polyatomic molecules, and quantum blackbody thermometry. This research is positioned at the intersection of laser cooling, quantum systems, precision measurement, and spectroscopy.
