The ability to cool and trap atoms and molecules in well-defined quantum states at temperatures close to absolute zero has opened up exciting opportunities to investigate molecular collisions and chemical reactions in the deep quantum regime. In this regime, the outcome of a molecular collision can be modified or controlled by external electric or magnetic fields. Ultracold collisional studies also offer a sensitive probe of the interaction potential, especially long-range intermolecular forces, and provide a fascinating regime where quantum threshold effects on chemical reaction dynamics can be explored. Ultracold collisions of vibrationally excited OH and H2, respectively, with ground state and electronically excited atomic oxygen will be discussed. We will also discuss novel aspects of resonant and quasi-resonant energy transfer in collisions of ultracold dimers and how they become highly efficient and selective at vanishingly small velocities. Implications to chemistry in cold and rarefied environments such as astrophysical media will be discussed.

Molecular encounters in cold gases: From ultracold chemistry to astrophysics

245th National Meeting (2013)

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