Development of an optical frequency comb referenced laser system for coherent manipulation and precision spectroscopy of ultra-cold molecules

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Due to the recent progress in the fields of ultra-cold molecules and optical metrology the precise coherent manipulation of molecular internal, i.e. rotational and vibrational, quantum states has come into reach for experiments. The new technologies will provide the means to transfer theoretical concepts and experimental techniques from atom interferometry to a new field, namely molecular internal state quantum interferometry. As atom interferometry has already proven to be the most powerful metrology tool nowadays, molecular interferometry will have strong impact on fields like precision molecular spectroscopy, test of molecular QED, and possibly on tests of Special and General Relativity.The goal of this research project is to develop a complex laser system for coherent manipulation and precision spectroscopy of ultra-cold molecules, in particular of the HD+ molecular ion. It combines latest developments in optical metrology, i.e. fs-optical frequency combs, with advanced diode laser concepts. The development of these technologies is not only relevant for molecular interferometry but is also of general interest for atomic and molecular precision spectroscopy.