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Precision test of statistical dynamics with state-to-state ultracold chemistry

Author

Listed:
  • Yu Liu

    (Harvard University
    Harvard University
    Harvard-MIT Center for Ultracold Atoms
    National Institute of Standards and Technology)

  • Ming-Guang Hu

    (Harvard University
    Harvard University
    Harvard-MIT Center for Ultracold Atoms)

  • Matthew A. Nichols

    (Harvard University
    Harvard University
    Harvard-MIT Center for Ultracold Atoms)

  • Dongzheng Yang

    (Nanjing University)

  • Daiqian Xie

    (Nanjing University)

  • Hua Guo

    (University of New Mexico)

  • Kang-Kuen Ni

    (Harvard University
    Harvard University
    Harvard-MIT Center for Ultracold Atoms)

Abstract

Chemical reactions represent a class of quantum problems that challenge both the current theoretical understanding and computational capabilities1. Reactions that occur at ultralow temperatures provide an ideal testing ground for quantum chemistry and scattering theories, because they can be experimentally studied with unprecedented control2, yet display dynamics that are highly complex3. Here we report the full product state distribution for the reaction 2KRb → K2 + Rb2. Ultracold preparation of the reactants allows us complete control over their initial quantum degrees of freedom, whereas state-resolved, coincident detection of both products enables the probability of scattering into each of the 57 allowed rotational state-pairs to be measured. Our results show an overall agreement with a state-counting model based on statistical theory4–6, but also reveal several deviating state-pairs. In particular, we observe a strong suppression of population in the state-pair closest to the exoergicity limit as a result of the long-range potential inhibiting the escape of products. The completeness of our measurements provides a benchmark for quantum dynamics calculations beyond the current state of the art.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu Liu & Ming-Guang Hu & Matthew A. Nichols & Dongzheng Yang & Daiqian Xie & Hua Guo & Kang-Kuen Ni, 2021. "Precision test of statistical dynamics with state-to-state ultracold chemistry," Nature, Nature, vol. 593(7859), pages 379-384, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:593:y:2021:i:7859:d:10.1038_s41586-021-03459-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03459-6
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    Cited by:

    1. Sruthi Venkataramanababu & Anyang Li & Ivan O. Antonov & James B. Dragan & Patrick R. Stollenwerk & Hua Guo & Brian C. Odom, 2023. "Enhancing reactivity of SiO+ ions by controlled excitation to extreme rotational states," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-7, December.

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