Statistical product distributions for ultracold reactions in external fields

TL;DR

This paper introduces a rigorous theoretical framework for predicting how external fields influence product distributions in ultracold chemical reactions, aiding understanding and control of reaction outcomes.

Contribution

It presents the first comprehensive method to compute statistical product-state distributions in ultracold reactions under external fields, accounting for energy level modifications and reaction exothermicity.

Findings

External fields modify product energy levels and distributions.

The formalism distinguishes different reaction mechanisms.

Predictions assist in controlling ultracold reaction products.

Abstract

The main limitation of most ultracold chemistry studies to date is the lack of an analysis of reaction products. Here, we discuss the first generally tractable, rigorous theoretical framework for computing statistical product-state distributions for ultracold reactions in external fields. We show that fields have two main effects on the products of a statistical reaction, by: (1) modifying the product energy levels thus potentially reshaping the product distributions; and/or (2) adding or removing product states by changing the reaction exothermicity. By analyzing these effects and the strength of the formalism to distinguish between different reaction mechanisms in benchmark reactions involving $^{40}$K and $^{87}$Rb species, we argue that statistical predictions will help understanding product formation and control, and lead developments to realize the full potential of ultracold chemistry.