Pathways toward a second-generation molecular vibrational clock*

Molecular clocks represent the cutting edge for precision measurements with molecules. We have completed a full systematic evaluation of a vibrational molecular clock at the 10^-14 level in the THz regime. Current limitations include scattering-limited lifetimes, and large lattice lightshift systematics in part due to hyperpolarizability. We discuss the path toward an improved molecular clock through increased coherence times and the mitigation of lattice light scattering and two-body collisional loss. Additionally, we discuss tests of ab initio quantum chemistry calculations and the potential for tests of fundamental physics using the molecular clock.