Resonant Coupling Between Near-Degenerate Levels of the $2 \, ^1 \Sigma _g^+$ and $1 \, ^1 \Pi _g$ States of Ultracold $^{85}$Rb$_2$

ORAL

Abstract

We report on the anomalously high line strength of a single rotational level in the ultracold photoassociation of two $^{85}$Rb atoms to form $^{85}$Rb$_2$. The $v' = 111$, $J' = 5$ level belongs to the Hund's case~(c) $ 2 \, (0_g^+)$ state, which correlates to the Hund's case~(a) $2 \, ^1 \Sigma _g^+$ state. Its strength is caused by coupling with a very near-resonant long-range state. The long-range component is the energetically degenerate $v' = 155$, $J' = 5$ level of the case~(c) $2 \, (1_g)$ state, correlating to the case (a) $1 \, ^1 \Pi _g$ state. The line strength is enhanced by an order of magnitude through this coupling, relative to nearby vibrational levels and even to nearby rotational levels of the same vibrational level.

–

Authors

  • Ryan Carollo

    Dept. of Physics, University of Connecticut, University of Connecticut

  • Michael Bellos

    Dept. of Physics, University of Connecticut, University of Connecticut

  • David Rahmlow

    University of Connecticut

  • Jayita Banerjee

    University of Connecticut

  • Edward Eyler

    University of Connecticut, Dept. of Physics, University of Connecticut

  • Phillip Gould

    Dept. of Physics, University of Connecticut, University of Connecticut

  • William Stwalley

    Dept. of Physics, University of Connecticut, University of Connecticut, Department of Physics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-3046, USA