Magneto-optical Feshbach resonance: Controlling cold collision with quantum interference

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel method combining magnetic and laser fields to control ultracold atomic collisions via quantum interference, enabling suppression of inelastic processes and enhancement of elastic scattering, with implications for quantum phases.

Contribution

It demonstrates a new approach to manipulate both s-wave and higher partial-wave interactions using quantum interference between magnetic and optical Feshbach resonances.

Findings

Suppression of inelastic scattering in ultracold collisions

Enhancement of elastic scattering cross sections

Control over anisotropic higher partial-wave interactions

Abstract

We propose a method of controlling two-atom interaction using both magnetic and laser fields. We analyse the role of quantum interference between magnetic and optical Feshbach resonances in controlling cold collision. In particular, we demonstrate that this method allows us to suppress inelastic and enhance elastic scattering cross sections. Quantum interference is shown to modify significantly the threshold behaviour and resonant interaction of ultracold atoms. Furthermore, we show that it is possible to manipulate not only the spherically symmetric s-wave interaction but also the anisotropic higher partial-wave interactions which are particularly important for high temperature superfluid or superconducting phases of matter.