Physikalisches Institut
Im Neuenheimer Feld 226
69120 Heidelberg
Tel: 06221/ 54 19471
Fax: 06221/ 54 19545
"Polar gases: from supersolids and rotons to peculiar disorder models "
Prof. Dr. Luis Santos
Quantum dynamics of atomic and molecular systems
Our group studies atomic and molecular quantum systems with respect to their interactions on different levels of complexity. Of special importance is the application and extension of modern methods for the manipulation and quantum control to many-body quantum systems, in particular using coherent light. The systems under investigation range from highly excited Rydberg atoms over atomic and molecular quantum gases to molecular aggregates. The group develops technologies for trapping and cooling of neutral atoms as well as quantum-state sensitive diagnostics.
Latest news from the lab
| PhD-Meeting "FOR2247: From few to many body physics with dipolar quantum gases", 22-24.10 Heidelberg | 16.10.2018 |
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| A detailed analysis of the role of the intraspecies scattering length in the Efimov scenario has been published in Phys. Rev. A | 07.07.2017 |
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| Reference: Role of the intraspecies scattering length in the Efimov scenario with large mass difference, Phys. Rev. A 95, 062708, or see our full list of publications |
| The PhD work of Juris Ulmanis published in the book series Springer Thesis | 10.03.2017 |
His thesis explores the Efimov scenario, which is one of the prime examples of how fundamental quantum physics universally transpire across seemingly disparate fields of modern science. Initially speculated for nuclear physics more than 40 years ago, the Efimov effect has become a new research paradigm not only in ultracold atom physics but also in molecular, biological and condensed matter systems. In his work, Juris used a heteronuclear mixture of ultracold Li and Cs atoms to measure the scaling factor, which is a hallmark property and sometimes referred to as the “holy grail” of Efimov physics. These results allowed to pioneer experimental understanding of universal properties that unify the description of different three-body systems, as well as to discern microscopic, non-universal properties that sets different systems apart. The book features a completely rewritten introduction that is aimed at young scientists just starting in the field of few-body physics. On top of a light primer on the Efimov effect, it highlights aspects of three-body physics in ultracold quantum gases and places these ideas in a wider context touching nuclear, atomic, and molecular physics. The rest of the work closely follows the original thesis.
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Research topics
Mixtures of ultracold atoms and molecules
In this experiment we use a mixture of two different alkali metals: cesium and lithium. This gives us the possbility to form ultracold LiCs dimers. These molecules have an extremely large electric dipole moment which promises many new experiments. For example, the molecules can be orientated in an external electric field.
Strongly-correlated Rydberg quantum gases
Rydberg atoms are atoms in highly excited electronic states. These atoms are very sensitive to external fields and experience extremely strong interactions with other Rydberg atoms. This gives us a model system for studying strongly-correlated quantum systems that is highly controllable and completely governed by interatomic interactions.
Collisions of highly charged ions and cold atoms
We are currently setting up this new experiment. Our goal is to investigate multiple electron capture using the combined techniques of magneto-optically cooling and trapping of the target atoms and using recoil ion momentum spectroscopy.
Hybrid ion atom trap for cold chemistry experiments
Interactions between ions and neutrals play an important role in all kind of chemical reactions. In order to gain a full understanding of these systems we are trying to observe reactions at ultra-low temperatures. In this regime the reaction dynamics are no longer concealed by the thermal movement of the particles.