Cold trapped molecular ions and hybrid platforms for ions and neutral particles

Abstract

We review recent progress in the field of cold trapped molecular ions. A new generation of collision and cold chemistry experiments between atoms and ions has emerged, where cold atoms and ions are brought into contact in a controlled way in novel hybrid atom-ion platforms. Furthermore, new possibilities for the preparation and detection of molecular quantum states with high sensitivity and precision have been demonstrated based on quantum-logic schemes. These advances represent important stepping stones for new directions in fundamental research and technological applications across various domains including precision measurements, quantum technologies and chemical dynamics.