The d ³Π state of LiRb

Area of Science:

• Molecular physics
• Quantum chemistry
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Ultracold molecules offer precise control for fundamental physics studies.
• The lithium-rubidium (LiRb) system is a key heteronuclear molecule for research.
• Understanding electronic states is crucial for manipulating molecular properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the spectroscopic properties of the d 3Π state in 7Li85Rb.
• Evaluate the d 3Π state's suitability as an intermediate for stimulated Raman adiabatic passage.
• Explore pathways for short-range photoassociation using this electronic state.

Main Methods:

• Resonantly enhanced multi-photon ionization spectroscopy.
• Depletion spectroscopy.
• Studied bound-to-bound transitions from the metastable a 3Σ+ state.

Main Results:

• Characterized the d 3Π state of 7Li85Rb.
• Identified suitable vibrational levels for stimulated Raman adiabatic passage.
• Measured the potential well depth and spin-orbit splitting using depletion measurements.

Conclusions:

• The d 3Π state is a promising intermediate for efficient molecular state transfer.
• Deeply bound vibrational levels of the d 3Π state may enable short-range photoassociation.
• Spectroscopic data provides a foundation for future quantum control experiments with LiRb molecules.