Prediction of Feshbach resonances from three input parameters

Published

April 30, 2009

Author(s)

Thomas M. Hanna, Eite Tiesinga, Paul S. Julienne

Abstract

We have developed a model of Feshbach resonances in gases of ultracold alkali metal atoms using the ideas of quantum defect theory. Our model requires just three parameters - the singlet and triplet scattering lengths, and the coefficient of the long range van der Waals potential - in addition to known atomic properties. Without using any further details of the interatomic potential, our approach is powerful enough to be able to accurately predict the locations and widths of resonances. Conversely, it is also computationally simple enough that, given some data on resonance locations, we are able to vary the singlet and triplet scattering lengths to obtain an optimal fit. We apply our technique to the experimentally relevant cases of $^{6}$Li-$^{40}$K and $^{40}$K-$^{87}$Rb scattering, obtaining good agreement with experimental results, and with the more computationally intensive coupled channels technique.

Citation

Physical Review A (Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics)

Volume

79

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

ultracold molecules, quantum defect theory, resonance scattering, KRb molecules, LiK molecules

Citation

Hanna, T. , Tiesinga, E. and Julienne, P. (2009), Prediction of Feshbach resonances from three input parameters, Physical Review A (Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics) (Accessed May 5, 2026)

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