Infrared absorption spectroscopy of a single polyatomic molecular ion – Nature0

• SCIENCE, Science / Health, Science Mission Directorate, scientists, Space, Space Communications & Navigation Program, Space Launch System (SLS), Space Telescope, space-x-ipo, SpaceX
• August 28, 2026

Molecule generation Our experiment is performed on a mixed-species two-ion crystal consisting of 40Ca+ and 40CaOH+ confined in a linear Paul trap28. To form such a crystal, we first load two 40Ca+ ions and then leak in water vapour with a leak valve from a gas chamber that contains mainly water vapour with a pressure