Repeatable laser measurements reveal 'forbidden' vibrations in single molecules without destroying them

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Researchers at the University of Basel have identified and controlled normally forbidden vibrational transitions in isolated nitrogen molecules using repeatable laser measurements. The work could support highly accurate clocks, quantum bits, and precision tests of fundamental physics.

The possibility of controlling "forbidden" excitations of vibrations in molecules could form the basis of extremely accurate clocks, quantum bits and precise tests of the fundamental laws of physics. Researchers at the University of Basel have now identified and controlled such "forbidden" transitions in single isolated nitrogen molecules without destroying them.