Observation of Feshbach resonances between two different atomic species

TL;DR

This paper reports the experimental observation of three Feshbach resonances between lithium-6 and sodium-23 atoms, enabling control of interactions in ultracold mixtures and potential creation of heteronuclear molecules.

Contribution

First observation of lithium-sodium Feshbach resonances, identifying molecular states and predicting additional resonances for ultracold mixture control.

Findings

Identified three narrow Feshbach resonances

Mapped molecular states causing the resonances

Predicted additional lithium-sodium resonances

Abstract

We have observed three Feshbach resonances in collisions between lithium-6 and sodium-23 atoms. The resonances were identified as narrow loss features when the magnetic field was varied. The molecular states causing these resonances have been identified, and additional lithium-sodium resonances are predicted. These resonances will allow the study of degenerate Bose-Fermi mixtures with adjustable interactions, and could be used to generate ultracold heteronuclear molecules.