Systematic study of Optical Feshbach Resonances in an ideal gas

TL;DR

This study systematically investigates Optical Feshbach Resonances in ultracold $^{88}$Sr gas, demonstrating precise control of atomic interactions through resonant enhancement of scattering length, with potential for high-resolution manipulation.

Contribution

It provides the first systematic measurement and theoretical validation of OFRs in alkaline earth atoms, highlighting their potential for precise interaction control.

Findings

Resonances match coupled-channels theory predictions.

OFR induces thermalization via elastic and inelastic collisions.

Potential for high spatial and temporal control of atomic interactions.

Abstract

Using a narrow intercombination line in alkaline earth atoms to mitigate large inelastic losses, we explore the Optical Feshbach Resonance (OFR) effect in an ultracold gas of bosonic $^{88}$Sr. A systematic measurement of three resonances allows precise determinations of the OFR strength and scaling law, in agreement with coupled-channels theory. Resonant enhancement of the complex scattering length leads to thermalization mediated by elastic and inelastic collisions in an otherwise ideal gas. OFR could be used to control atomic interactions with high spatial and temporal resolution.