Abstract
Ultracold LiCs molecules in the absolute ground state , , are formed via a single photoassociation step starting from laser-cooled atoms. The selective production of , molecules with a 50-fold higher rate is also demonstrated. The rotational and vibrational state of the ground state molecules is determined in a setup combining depletion spectroscopy with resonant-enhanced multiphoton ionization time-of-flight spectroscopy. Using the determined production rate of up to , we describe a simple scheme which can provide large samples of externally and internally cold dipolar molecules.
- Received 20 July 2008
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.133004
©2008 American Physical Society
Viewpoint
From atoms to molecules (and back)
Published 25 September 2008
Atoms colliding in a magnetic field can form weakly bound states called Feshbach molecules. These states have now been used in combination with advanced laser techniques to create tightly bound ground-state molecules close to quantum degeneracy.
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