Efimov Physics in 6Li Atoms

TL;DR

This paper investigates Efimov physics in ultracold 6Li atoms, using experimental data to predict Efimov state spectra and loss features, including resonances and minima, in a three-spin system at high magnetic fields.

Contribution

It provides universal predictions for Efimov states and recombination rates in 6Li atoms based on experimentally determined parameters, extending understanding of three-body phenomena.

Findings

Predicted an atom-dimer loss resonance at 672 G.

Predicted a recombination minimum at 759 G.

Calculated Efimov spectrum using experimental three-body parameter.

Abstract

A new narrow 3-atom loss resonance associated with an Efimov trimer crossing the 3-atom threshold has recently been discovered in a many-body system of ultracold 6Li atoms in the three lowest hyperfine spin states at a magnetic field near 895 G. O'Hara and coworkers have used measurements of the 3-body recombination rate in this region to determine the complex 3-body parameter associated with Efimov physics. Using this parameter as the input, we calculate the universal predictions for the spectrum of Efimov states and for the 3-body recombination rate in the universal region above 600 G where all three scattering lengths are large. We predict an atom-dimer loss resonance at (672 +/- 2) G associated with an Efimov trimer disappearing through an atom-dimer threshold. We also predict an interference minimum in the 3-body recombination rate at (759 +/- 1) G where the 3-spin mixture may be sufficiently stable to allow experimental study of the many-body system.