Ultracold Atoms as a Target: Absolute Scattering Cross-Section Measurements

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel experimental method for measuring absolute scattering cross-sections using ultracold atoms in an optical dipole trap exposed to a particle beam, enabling precise scattering studies across various species.

Contribution

The paper presents a new experimental platform that allows direct measurement of absolute scattering cross-sections for atoms and molecules in optical traps.

Findings

Successful measurement of total scattering cross-sections

Applicable to a wide range of atomic and molecular species

Provides a versatile tool for scattering experiments

Abstract

We report on a new experimental platform for the measurement of absolute scattering cross-sections. The target atoms are trapped in an optical dipole trap and are exposed to an incident particle beam. The exponential decay of the atom number directly yields the absolute total scattering cross-section. The technique can be applied to any atomic or molecular species that can be prepared in an optical dipole trap and provides a large variety of possible scattering scenarios.