Abstract
Charge-transfer cold Yb Rb collision dynamics is investigated theoretically using high-level ab initio potential energy curves, dipole moment functions, and nonadiabatic coupling matrix elements. Within the scalar-relativistic approximation, the radiative transitions from the entrance to the ground state are found to be the only efficient charge-transfer pathway. The spin-orbit coupling does not open other efficient pathways, but alters the potential energy curves and the transition dipole moment for the pair of states. The radiative, as well as the nonradiative, charge-transfer cross sections calculated within the cm collision energy range exhibit all features of the Langevin ion-atom collision regime, including a rich structure associated with centrifugal barrier tunneling (orbiting) resonances. Theoretical rate coefficients for two Yb isotopes agree well with those measured by immersing Yb ions in an ultracold Rb ensemble in a hybrid trap. Possible origins of discrepancy in the product distributions and relations to previously studied similar processes are discussed.
- Received 17 March 2013
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.87.052717
©2013 American Physical Society