This PhD thesis investigates collisions between cold molecules. It provides insight into the interaction between molecules and highlights various quantum mechanical effects. This research is fundamental in nature but relevant to both science and technology. Better knowledge and control of these quantum mechanical systems could contribute to the development of new devices such as quantum sensors and eventually perhaps even quantum computers based on cold molecules.
The ammonia molecule plays the lead role in this research. This molecule has a strong dipole moment, a unique property compared to previous studies. Several methods are being developed and worked out to effectively use ammonia for such experiments for the first time.
Stach Kuijpers, born in Nijmegen in 1996, grew up in Groesbeek and went to Nijmegen comprehensive school Groenewoud where he completed his pre-university education cum laude in 2014. He began his academic career studying for a Dual Bachelor’s in Physics and Chemistry at Radboud University in Nijmegen (2014-2017). He continued his studies with a Master’s in Particle and Astrophysics, also at Radboud University (2017-2019). His Master’s thesis focused on depicting and simplifying algorithms for quantum computers with graphical calculus. In the following years (2019-2024), he worked on his PhD research and dissertation in the Spectroscopy of Cold Molecules group of Prof. Dr S. Y. T. van de Meerakker. His dissertation describes the experimental research into different quantum effects in cold collisions of ammonia molecules.