Long-range scattering resonances in strong-field-seeking states of polar molecules
نویسندگان
چکیده
We present first steps toward understanding the ultracold scattering properties of polar molecules in strong electric field-seeking states. We have found that the elastic cross section displays a quasiregular set of potential resonances as a function of the electric field, which potentially offers intimate details about the intermolecular interaction. We illustrate these resonances in a “toy” model composed of pure dipoles, and in more physically realistic systems. To analyze these resonances, we use a simple WKB approximation to the eigenphase, which proves both reasonably accurate and meaningful. A general treatment of the Stark effect and dipolar interactions is also presented.
منابع مشابه
Collisional dynamics of ultracold OH molecules in an electrostatic field
Ultracold collisions of polar OH molecules are considered in the presence of an electrostatic field. The field exerts a strong influence on both elastic and state-changing inelastic collision rate constants, leading to clear experimental signatures that should help disentangle the theory of cold molecule collisions. Based on the collision rates, we discuss the prospects for evaporative cooling ...
متن کاملInelastic collisions of ultracold polar molecules
The collisional stability of ultracold polar molecules in electrostatic traps is considered. Rate constants for collisions that drive molecules from weak-electric-field-seeking to strong-field-seeking states are estimated using a simple model that emphasizes long-range dipolar forces. The rate constants for collisional losses are found to vary substantially as a function of molecular parameters...
متن کاملProspects for making polar molecules with microwave fields.
We propose a mechanism to produce ultracold polar molecules with microwave fields. It converts trapped ultracold atoms into vibrationally excited molecules by a single microwave transition and entirely depends on the existence of a permanent dipole moment in the molecules. As opposed to production of molecules by photoassociation or magnetic-field Feshbach resonances, our method does not rely o...
متن کاملProspects for measuring the electric dipole moment of the electron using electrically trapped polar molecules.
Heavy polar molecules can be used to measure the electric dipole moment of the electron, which is a sensitive probe of physics beyond the Standard Model. The value is determined by measuring the precession of the molecule's spin in a plane perpendicular to an applied electric field. The longer this precession evolves coherently, the higher the precision of the measurement. For molecules in a tr...
متن کاملDirectly probing anisotropy in atom–molecule collisions through quantum scattering resonances
Anisotropy is a fundamental property of particle interactions. It occupies a central role in cold and ultracold molecular processes, where orientation-dependent long-range forces have been studied in ultracold polar molecule collisions. In the cold collisions regime, quantization of the intermolecular degrees of freedom leads to quantum scattering resonances. Although these states have been sho...
متن کامل