Topological p-wave superfluid of fermionic polar molecules
In plain words
Fermionic molecules with dipoles, held apart by microwave shields, could pair into a superfluid with a built-in twist (p-wave) that hosts unusual edge states. Current gases are not yet cold enough.
Precise statement
2D or 3D gas of microwave-shielded fermionic polar molecules (for example NaK) with dipole length $a_{dd}$. Determine the predicted $T_{c}/T_{F}$ for $p_{x} + \mathrm{i} p_{y}$ pairing as a function of $k_{F} a_{dd}$ and shielding parameters, and whether it lies above temperatures reachable by evaporation. Answer: $T_{c}/T_{F}$ with uncertainty and an experimental yes or no.
What would settle it
A controlled many-body calculation of $T_{\mathrm{c}}$ including shielding potentials, followed by observation of pairing in a degenerate molecular Fermi gas.
Status in the literature
Evaporation of microwave-shielded NaK reached about $T = 0.36 T_F$ in 2022 (Schindewolf et al., Nature).