Molecular $^{85}$Rb$_2$ Formation in a 1-D 10.6 $\mu$m Optical Lattice

POSTER

Abstract

We present results on the formation of ultracold $^{85}$Rb$_2$ molecules in an optical lattice formed by a simple retro-reflected CO$_2$ laser. Atoms are loaded to the lattice from an ordinary MOT at a temperature of $\sim$20 $\mu$K after a transient cooling stage. They are then illuminated by a photoassociation laser from a single-mode Ti:Sapphire to briefly form excited-state molecules that decay to the singlet ground state. Utilizing resonance-enhanced two-photon ionization, we detect these molecules and measure their decay lifetimes. State-selective detection allows us to monitor the population of individual vibrational levels to measure collisional relaxation rates separately. This work is supported by the NSF and AFOSR.

Authors

  • R. Carollo

    • University of Connecticut
    • Dept. of Physics, University of Connecticut

  • H.K. Pechkis

    • NIST/JQI University of Maryland

  • D. Rahmlow

    • University of Connecticut
    • Dept. of Physics, University of Connecticut

  • Michael Bellos

    • University of Connecticut
    • Dept. of Physics, University of Connecticut

  • J. Banerjee

    • University of Connecticut
    • Dept. of Physics, University of Connecticut

  • E.E. Eyler

    • University of Connecticut
    • Dept. of Physics, University of Connecticut
    • University of Connecticut, Department of Physics
    • Department of Physics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-3046, USA

  • P.L. Gould

    • University of Connecticut
    • Department of Physics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269
    • Dept. of Physics, University of Connecticut
    • Department of Physics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-3046, USA

  • W.C. Stwalley

    • University of Connecticut
    • Dept. of Physics, University of Connecticut
    • Department of Physics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-3046, USA