Controlling interactions between highly magnetic atoms with Feshbach resonances

Rep Prog Phys. 2014 Sep;77(9):093901. doi: 10.1088/0034-4885/77/9/093901. Epub 2014 Sep 15.

Abstract

This paper reviews current experimental and theoretical progress in the study of dipolar quantum gases of ground and meta-stable atoms with a large magnetic moment. We emphasize the anisotropic nature of Feshbach resonances due to coupling to fast-rotating resonant molecular states in ultracold s-wave collisions between magnetic atoms in external magnetic fields. The dramatic differences in the distribution of resonances of magnetic (7)S3 chromium and magnetic lanthanide atoms with a submerged 4f shell and non-zero electron angular momentum is analyzed. We focus on dysprosium and erbium as important experimental advances have been recently made to cool and create quantum-degenerate gases for these atoms. Finally, we describe progress in locating resonances in collisions of meta-stable magnetic atoms in electronic P-states with ground-state atoms, where an interplay between collisional anisotropies and spin-orbit coupling exists.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Electrons*
  • Gases / chemistry*
  • Gases / radiation effects*
  • Magnetic Fields*
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Quantum Theory*

Substances

  • Gases