Three-Dimensional Magneto-Optical Trapping of Calcium Monohydride Molecules

Laser-cooled and trapped calcium monohydride (CaH) molecules provide a new platform for studies of ultracold molecular physics and chemistry. We report the first realization of a radio-frequency magneto-optical trap (MOT) of CaH molecules. The MOT contains a few hundred molecules and is currently limited by a low-flux molecular source and predissociative loss channels in CaH. We discuss ongoing improvements, including increased slowing-laser power and chirped laser slowing, aimed at substantially enhancing the trapped population. We will also present progress toward a blue-detuned MOT to achieve higher molecular densities. Trapped CaH molecules open new opportunities for exploring ultracold collisions and controlled dissociation processes, including pathways toward trapped hydrogen atoms.