Dynamics of OH(2Pi)-He collisions in combined electric and magnetic fields

TL;DR

This study uses quantum calculations to show how combined electric and magnetic fields influence OH molecule collisions with helium, revealing control over spin relaxation and Feshbach resonances at ultracold temperatures.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed quantum analysis of OH-He collisions under combined electric and magnetic fields, demonstrating control mechanisms for ultracold molecular interactions.

Findings

Spin relaxation can be suppressed by moderate electric fields.

Electric fields can manipulate Feshbach resonances.

Results are applicable to experiments with Stark decelerated beams.

Abstract

We use accurate quantum mechanical calculations to analyze the effects of parallel electric and magnetic fields on collision dynamics of OH(2Pi) molecules. It is demonstrated that spin relaxation in 3He-OH collisions at temperatures below 0.01 K can be effectively suppressed by moderate electric fields of order 10 kV/cm. We show that electric fields can be used to manipulate Feshbach resonances in collisions of cold molecules. Our results can be verified in experiments with OH molecules in Stark decelerated molecular beams and electromagnetic traps.