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Atom-molecule Rabi oscillations in a Mott insulator
N Syassen1, D M Bauer, M Lettner
1Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik, Hans-Kopfermann-Strasse 1, 85748 Garching, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|August 7, 2007
Summary
Researchers observed Rabi oscillations between atomic and molecular states in Rubidium-87 (87Rb) atoms within an optical lattice. This study confirms single-molecule formation and stability in specific lattice energy gaps.
Area of Science:
- Atomic physics
- Quantum optics
- Condensed matter physics
Background:
- Feshbach resonances enable control over atomic interactions.
- Optical lattices confine ultracold atoms.
- Rabi oscillations demonstrate coherent quantum state manipulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Rabi oscillations between atomic and molecular states in an optical lattice near a Feshbach resonance.
- To characterize the dependence of oscillation parameters on magnetic field and atomic density.
- To confirm single-molecule creation and assess molecular stability within the lattice.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing ultracold 87Rb atoms in an optical lattice.
- Employing a Feshbach resonance near 414 G for controlled interactions.
- Analyzing oscillation frequency and amplitude dependence on magnetic field.
- Investigating density dependence of oscillation frequency.
- Confirming molecular state occupancy and stability.
Main Results:
- Observed large-amplitude Rabi oscillations between atomic and molecular states.
- Demonstrated that oscillation frequency and amplitude are magnetic field-dependent, consistent with a two-level model.
- Verified density dependence of oscillation frequency aligns with theoretical predictions.
- Confirmed the creation of exactly one molecule per lattice site after a half-oscillation cycle.
- Showed that molecules are stable against dissociation when their energy lies within a band gap of the lattice structure.
Conclusions:
- Rabi oscillations provide a precise tool for controlling and probing atom-molecule mixtures.
- The observed phenomena are well-described by a simple two-level model, simplifying theoretical analysis.
- Stable, single molecules can be reliably produced and maintained in optical lattices under specific conditions.
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