This research project focuses on the investigation of the manipulation and control of fundamental quantum systems using methods of ultrafast spectroscopy. The goal is to excite in a programmable way particular quantum states of atoms and molecules that have no classical counterpart, with particular attention given to nonclassical quantum states in the electronic, vibrational, and, eventually, center-of-mass coordinates of diatomic molecules. The quantum state of the molecules will be determined from the time- and frequency-resolved spectrum of spontaneous emission and via a self-referencing interferometric method.
