Observation and laser spectroscopy of ytterbium monomethoxide, YbOCH3

We describe a laser spectroscopic study of ytterbium monomethoxide, YbOCH3, a species of interest to searches for time-reversal symmetry violation using laser-cooled molecules. We report measurements of vibrational structure in the g and A states, vibrational branching ratios for several components of the A state, and radiative lifetimes of low-lying electronic states. Ab initio calculations are used to aid the assignment of vibronic emission bands and provide insight into the electronic and vibrational structure. Our results demonstrate that rapid optical cycling is feasible for YbOCH3, opening a path to orders-of-magnitude increased sensitivity in future measurements of P- and/or T-violating physics.

Automated summary

The study investigates the vibrational structure and radiative lifetimes of ytterbium monomethoxide, presenting the feasibility of rapid optical cycling for increased sensitivity in future measurements of P- and/or T-violating physics. Ab initio calculations aid in the assignment of vibronic emission bands and provide insight into the electronic and vibrational structure of the molecule.