Chemical Reactions of Li and CaH at 1 Kelvin

ORAL

Abstract

Using cryogenic helium buffer-gas cooling, we have prepared dense samples of atomic lithium and molecular calcium monohydride at temperatures as low as 1 Kelvin. We have measured the Li~+~CaH~$\rightarrow$~LiH~+~Ca chemical reaction, observed in both the accelerated disappearance of CaH and in the appearance of the LiH molecule. For unpolarized reactants, we have measured a reaction rate coefficient of $3.6\times10^{-10}$~cm$^3$~s$^{-1}$, with an uncertainty of a factor of 2. The methods of reaction rate measurement and detection of LiH molecules will be presented.

*This material is based upon work supported by National Science Foundation under Grant No. PHY 0900190

Authors

  • Vijay Singh

    • University of Nevada
  • Kyle S. Hardman

    • University of Nevada
  • Naima Tariq

    • University of Nevada
  • Mei-Ju Lu

    • University of Nevada
  • Aja A. Ellis

    • University of Nevada
  • Muir Morrison

    • University of Nevada
    • University of Nevada, Reno
  • Jonathan D. Weinstein

    • University of Nevada
    • Physics Department, University of Nevada