arXiv:1007.1892 · Physical Review A
Ground state of the polar alkali-metal-atom–strontium molecules: Potential energy curve and permanent dipole moment
R. Guérout, M Aymar, Olivier Dulieu
Abstract
In this study, we investigate the structure of the polar alkali-metal-atom--strontium diatomic molecules as possible candidates for the realization of samples of ultracold polar molecular species not yet investigated experimentally. Using a quantum chemistry approach based on effective core potentials and core polarization potentials, we model these systems as effective three-valence-electron systems, allowing for calculation of electronic properties with full configuration interaction. The potential curve and the permanent dipole moment of the ${}^{2}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}$ ground state are determined as functions of the internuclear distance for LiSr, NaSr, KSr, RbSr, and CsSr molecules. These molecules are found to exhibit a significant permanent dipole moment, though smaller than those of the alkali-metal-atom--Rb molecules.