Quantum dynamics of resonant molecule formation in waveguides

Abstract

We explore the quantum dynamics of heteronuclear atomic collisions in waveguides and demonstrate the existence of a novel mechanism for the resonant formation of polar molecules. The molecular formation probabilities can be tuned by changing the trap frequencies that characterize the transverse modes of the atomic species. The origin of this effect is the confinement-induced mixing of the relative and center of mass motions in the atomic collision process leading to a coupling of the diatomic continuum to the center of mass excited molecular states in closed transverse channels. © IOP Publishing Ltd and Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft.