Abstract
Ultracold polar molecular quantum gases promise to open new research directions ranging from the study of ultra-cold chemistry, precision measurements to novel quantum phase transitions. Based on the preparation of high-phase space density gases of polar KRb molecules [1-3], I will discuss the control of dipolar collisions and chemical reactions of polar molecules in a regime where quantum statistics, single scattering partial waves, and quantum threshold laws play a dominant role [4]. In particular, I will point out the crucial role of electric dipole-dipole interactions [5] and external confinement [6] in determining the chemical reaction rate. Finally, I will discuss prospects of reaching quantum degeneracy in bi-alkali samples of polar molecules and prospects for these systems as novel dipolar quantum many-body systems.
© 2011 IEEE
PDF ArticleMore Like This
M. Weidemüller
LTuH2 Laser Science (LS) 2010
Jun Ye
LWE1 Laser Science (LS) 2008
D. Wang, C. Ashbaugh, Y. Huang, H.K. Pechkis, J. T. Kim, E.E. Eyler, P. L. Gould, and W. C. Stwalley
LTuE2 Laser Science (LS) 2006