A new cold molecule source: The buffer gas cooled molecular beam

This thesis outlines the construction of a novel apparatus for the production of ultracold polar molecules. The machine produces molecules via laser ablation, which then thermalalize by contact with cryogenically cooled helium buffer gas. Extraction of the thermalized molecules through an aperture in the buffer gas cell forms a molecular beam. Experiments with the species SrO characterize both the thermalization and extraction process in the buffer gas cell. Beam properties such as temperature and flux are defined and explored in simple models; the observed results with molecular SrO are presented and compared with the models.; A broad set of applications for the production of ultracold polar molecules sets the and motivation of atomic and molecular physics goals and directs the beginning of this thesis. The outline of several different techniques in pursuit of this goal are discussed. The buffer gas cooling process and beam are then generally described. The construction and operation of the apparatus is then presented. Results with SrO demonstrate progress toward the goal. Finally, a scheme for reaching ultracold temperatures with guiding and trapping of molecules from this beam source is presented.