Controlling Molecular Spin in Superfluids | Science News

Science News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 4, 2026 · 1m

Scientists have cracked a new way to spin molecules inside liquid helium droplets using a laser trick called an optical centrifuge—letting them control rotation speed and direction with surgical precision. This breakthrough unlocks direct manipulation of molecular spin in frictionless superfluids, offering a powerful tool to probe quantum behavior at the atomic level. Researchers from UBC and Freiburg are now racing to pinpoint the exact moment superfluidity collapses under spinning molecules—revealing hidden physics in extreme quantum conditions. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli…