Ultracold molecules form inside superatom

Sjoerd Smit

Olivier Dulieu

Since the first observation of ultracold molecules in Orsay, investigation of new ways of creating ultracold molecules inside cold atom traps is a challenging task for both theoretical and experimental groups. In this paper, we review some of our recent results on formation processes using cw laser photoassociation of cold atoms, involving population of long‐range molecular potential wells, or resonant coupling. We implemented accurate numerical methods based on a mapped Fourier grid approach, to solve time‐independent Schrödinger equation, in order to obtain quantitative predictions for ultracold molecule formation rates and detection efficiency.

Robin Côté

Gael Reinaudi, K. Bega, Tanya Zelevinsky

J-P Connerade

The terms "quasiatom" and "superatom" are introduced. A quasi-atom, for example contains two ions of opposite charge, which behave like an atom, forming Rydberg states. A superatom also contains many atoms, but behaves in a simple way, and can be modelled within the central field approximation. Both are examples of many-body systems which emulate quasi-particle properties. Their behaviour is the opposite of quasi-particle breakdown in isolated atoms. However, it also probes the boundary between simple and complex behaviour, for species larger than atoms. Examples are given, ranging from shallow donor impurities in semiconductors, through ion-pair molecules, confined and endohedral atoms, to metallic clusters.

Cindy A. Regal, Christopher Ticknor, John L. Bohn +1 more