"Characterization and Control of Ultracold Collisions"


Steve Gensemer , University of Connecticut
[Host: Robert Jones]
ABSTRACT:
We have developed several new techniques for observing and altering ultracold collisions in laser-cooled Rb. We have found that the trapping laser in a typical magneto-optical trap (MOT) can increase inelastic collision rates by more than an order of magnitude. We have also observed ultracold collision dynamics in the temporal domain for the first time, by using a series of laser pulses that interact with a colliding pair of atoms at different internuclear distances. Together with other experiments that use repulsive or attractive molecular potentials to reduce or increase inelastic or elastic collision rates, we are developing the tools to understand and utilize the extremely long-range molecular potentials involved (R > 300 bohr radii), which cannot be studied using conventional spectroscopy.
Condensed Matter Seminar
Thursday, March 30, 2000
4:00 PM
Physics Building, Room 204
Note special time.
Note special room.

Special AMO/Chemical Physics Seminar


 Add to your calendar

To add a speaker, send an email to phys-speakers@Virginia.EDU. Please include the seminar type (e.g. Condensed Matter Seminars), date, name of the speaker, title of talk, and an abstract (if available).