Precision test of statistical dynamics with state-to-state ultracold chemistry

Yu Liu (), Ming-Guang Hu, Matthew A. Nichols, Dongzheng Yang, Daiqian Xie, Hua Guo and Kang-Kuen Ni ()
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Yu Liu: Harvard University
Ming-Guang Hu: Harvard University
Matthew A. Nichols: Harvard University
Dongzheng Yang: Nanjing University
Daiqian Xie: Nanjing University
Hua Guo: University of New Mexico
Kang-Kuen Ni: Harvard University

Nature, 2021, vol. 593, issue 7859, 379-384

Abstract: Abstract Chemical reactions represent a class of quantum problems that challenge both the current theoretical understanding and computational capabilities1. Reactions that occur at ultralow temperatures provide an ideal testing ground for quantum chemistry and scattering theories, because they can be experimentally studied with unprecedented control2, yet display dynamics that are highly complex3. Here we report the full product state distribution for the reaction 2KRb → K2 + Rb2. Ultracold preparation of the reactants allows us complete control over their initial quantum degrees of freedom, whereas state-resolved, coincident detection of both products enables the probability of scattering into each of the 57 allowed rotational state-pairs to be measured. Our results show an overall agreement with a state-counting model based on statistical theory4–6, but also reveal several deviating state-pairs. In particular, we observe a strong suppression of population in the state-pair closest to the exoergicity limit as a result of the long-range potential inhibiting the escape of products. The completeness of our measurements provides a benchmark for quantum dynamics calculations beyond the current state of the art.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03459-6

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