Illuminating exotic chemistry and physics with single-quantum-state spectroscopy

Molecules are amongst the most complex objects that can be controlled and studied at the individual quantum state level. In this talk, I will introduce some of the extraordinary advances made in the last decade by the application of AMO physics tools, including cavity-enhanced optical frequency comb and microwave techniques, to such quantum-state-resolved spectroscopy. These precision light-matter probes have redrawn the limits of molecular complexity that can be characterized and controlled in the laboratory, enabling scientists to address important chemical and physical problems from a fundamental, bottom-up perspective. I will showcase these applications in achieving rovibrational quantum-state spectroscopy of the C₆₀ fullerene (the largest molecule for which this has been achieved); revealing the unexpectedly rich chemistry that occurs in extreme astrophysical environments; and exploring the unique electronic properties of metal-ligand complexes critical to applications in quantum science and metrology.