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Coherent collisional spin dynamics in optical lattices.
Artur Widera1, Fabrice Gerbier, Simon Fölling
1Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Staudingerweg 7, 55099 Mainz, Germany. Widera@Uni-Mainz.DE
Physical Review Letters
|December 31, 2005
Summary
We observed controlled spin changes in neutral atoms using collisions in an optical lattice. This allows precise measurement of fundamental atomic interaction strengths at ultracold temperatures.
Area of Science:
- Atomic physics
- Quantum optics
- Condensed matter physics
Background:
- Optical lattices enable precise control over neutral atoms.
- Collisions between atoms can alter their spin states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To observe and characterize collisionally driven spin dynamics in neutral atoms.
- To utilize these dynamics for precise measurements of interatomic interactions.
Main Methods:
- Confining atom pairs to single sites in a deep optical lattice.
- Observing Rabi-type oscillations between two-particle Zeeman states.
- Measuring oscillation frequencies to determine collisional coupling strengths.
Main Results:
- Observed coherent, purely collisionally driven spin dynamics.
- Demonstrated weakly damped Rabi oscillations between Zeeman states.
- Precisely determined spin-changing collisional coupling strengths.
Conclusions:
- Spin dynamics in optical lattices can be controlled by collisions.
- This method provides a precise way to measure ultracold scattering lengths.
- The findings advance the understanding of interatomic interactions.