Research Interests: The Liu group employs quantum science techniques to advance our understanding of and control over chemistry at the quantum level. Laser cooling, optical/ion trapping, and coherent control are used to prepare samples of molecules at temperatures approaching absolute zero and in defined quantum states. Such “ultracold molecules” greatly enhance the resolution of spectroscopic probes and chemical reaction studies, revealing intricate details in the structures and dynamics of seemingly simple molecular systems. The fundamental chemical insights gained through this research serve to advance a range of practical applications, including synthesis, quantum computation, and material science.