UK team breaks cooling barrier for molecules
UK-based researchers have laser-cooled CaF molecules to 50 millionth degree above absolute zero (-273.15ÂºC), breaking the Doppler limit for the first time. Such ultra-cooling is achieved using doppler cooling, which includes confining molecules in a magneto-optical trap. The process, however, has a limit (Doppler limit) as energy lost by emitting photons is balanced by energy received in the trap.