Observation of ultralong-range Rydberg molecules

Vera Bendkowsky (), Björn Butscher, Johannes Nipper, James P. Shaffer, Robert Löw and Tilman Pfau ()
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Vera Bendkowsky: 5. Physikalisches Institut, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Björn Butscher: 5. Physikalisches Institut, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Johannes Nipper: 5. Physikalisches Institut, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
James P. Shaffer: 5. Physikalisches Institut, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Robert Löw: 5. Physikalisches Institut, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Tilman Pfau: 5. Physikalisches Institut, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany

Nature, 2009, vol. 458, issue 7241, 1005-1008

Abstract: Rydberg molecules at length In a Rydberg atom, at least one electron is excited into an orbital with a very high principal quantum number that extends the atom's electronic envelope far beyond the nucleus. Based on ideas introduced by Enrico Fermi in 1934, a recent piece of theoretical work predicted that the scattering of such an electron from a second atom in the ground-state could give rise to attractive interactions. This would yield giant molecules with internuclear separations reaching several thousand Bohr radii. The spectroscopic characterization of such ultra-long-range 'Rydberg molecules' is now reported. The molecules, ultracold rubidium dimers, have spectra in good agreement with model predictions. This achievement raises the exciting prospect of realizing other exotic molecular species such as the so-called trilobite molecules in the near future.

Date: 2009
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DOI: 10.1038/nature07945

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