The kinematic cooling of molecules with laser-cooled atoms

Abstract

We propose a new scheme for the production of milli-Kelvin molecules via kinematic cooling through collisions with atoms in a magnetooptical trap (MOT). We will discuss the kinematic conditions necessary for producing cold molecules, the limits of the final attainable temperatures and the experimental implementation of this technique. Finally, we will look at some specific physical systems and discuss the effectiveness of kinematic cooling inside a MOT. © IOP Publishing Ltd and Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft.