I.I. Rabi Prize in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics talk: Bringing together Chemistry and Physics with Ultracold Polar Molecules

Ultracold polar molecules are sought-after for a range of goals, from studying ultracold chemical reactions to building quantum simulators and computers. On the one hand, reactions at~ultracold temperatures could provide unprecedented quantum state detection of long-lived reaction intermediates.~ Such experiments aim to improve our understanding of quantum dynamics and provide benchmark results for state-of-the-art calculations. We combine AMO physics and physical chemistry techniques to report the first direct evidence of ultracold reactions of KRb.~ On the other hand, bringing single particle control and imaging capabilities to molecules promises new quantum applications, enabled by the rich internal degrees of freedom and inter-molecular coupling.~ I will present our experimental work with individual ultracold molecules in pursuit of quantum simulation, quantum information processing, and ultracold chemistry with precise initial reactant preparation.