QUDIPMOL - Quantum-degenerate dipolar gases of bialkali molecules

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Matthias Weidemüller
• Co-Applicants: Professor Dr. Hans Peter Büchler; Professor Dr. Simon Cornish; Professor Dr. Olivier Dulieu; Professor Dr. Jeremy M. Hutson; Professor Dr. Hanns-Christoph Nägerl; Dr. Giacomo Roati; Dr. Pavel Soldán
• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: from 2007 to 2012
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 44191795

The aim of QUDIPMOL is the creation, understanding and control of a dipolar quantum gas formed by heteronuclear bialkali molecules. Ideally, all molecules in the gas are characterized by a single, identical rotational, vibrational and translational quantum state, which is achieved by synthesizing the molecules from atomic quantum gases using light fields (photoassociation) and magnetic fields (Feshbach linking). Atom-dimer and dimer-dimer scattering will be investigated in great detail in order to identify routes towards control of molecular collisions in a many-body system (ultracold chemistry), and effects of the interactions on the dynamics of the polar quantum gas will be explored. The complexity of the experimental and theoretical challenges, which are central to the key issues of EuroQUAM, requires combined approaches ranging from Atomic, Molecular, Optical Physics over Condensed Matter Physics to Quantum Chemistry. Therefore, QUDIPMOL joins five experimental and four theoretical groups representing unique and complementary expertise in these areas of research in a well balanced mixture of senior and young researchers as Principal Investigators. Key experimental approaches towards molecular quantum gases include studies of ultracold collisions, photoassociation, Feshbach formation, high-resolution molecular spectroscopy, sensitive molecular diagnostics, and the fine arts of creating and handling quantum degenerate gases. The theoretical groups share their knowledge on advanced molecular structure calculations, dynamics of reactive scattering and many-body quantum physics of highly correlated systems. Intense exchange among and between experimental and theoretical groups builds upon well-established collaborations between the partners. Results of the research in QUDIPMOL will have important impact on other EuroQUAM projects and will further strengthen Europe's competitive, internationally well-established position in the field of ultracold molecular quantum gases.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Austria, Czech Republic, France, Italy, United Kingdom
• Participating Persons: Professor Dr. Eberhard Tiemann; Professor Dr. Roland Wester