Progress towards ultracold MgF for quantum blackbody radiation thermometry

Ultracold molecules are promising candidates for quantum simulation, computation, and sensing due to new degrees of freedom that are not present in their atomic counterparts. Molecular rovibrational levels have spacing commensurate with the peak of the blackbody radiation spectrum near room temperature, making them ideal candidates for blackbody sensing in this temperature range. To use molecules to make prolonged interrogations of blackbody radiation, we must first cool and control their external and internal degrees of freedom. To this end, we present progress in laser cooling MgF, which is an ideal candidate for laser cooling due to its low mass, short wavelength cycling transition, and large scattering rate.