Toward new applications with laser-cooled CaH molecules

Laser-cooled calcium monohydride (CaH) molecules provide a versatile platform for the study of  ultracold molecular physics and controlled chemical dynamics. In particular, CaH enables exploration of magnetically tunable reactions with co-trapped atomic species such as lithium and potassium, as well as near-threshold photodissociation into atomic fragments. We report the creation of a radio-frequency magneto-optical trap (MOT) of CaH molecules, representing a key step toward dense, trapped samples of this new ultracold molecule. Following MOT capture, CaH can be transferred into an optical dipole trap, where two-photon dissociation could become feasible. Such control opens pathways to precision spectroscopy and to studies of ultracold quantum chemistry, including the production of trapped hydrogen atoms. We also discuss experimental progress toward ion-based, state-resolved probes of reaction dynamics.