Towards producing ultracold CaNa$^+$ molecular ions in the ground electronic state

POSTER

Abstract

We present a theoretical analysis of optical pathways for the formation of cold Ca($^1$S)Na$^+$($^1$S) molecular ions, based on accurate potential energy curves and transition dipole moments calculated using effective-core-potential methods of quantum chemistry. In the proposed approach, starting from a mixture of trapped laser-cooled Ca$^+$ ions immersed into an ultracold gas of Na atoms, the (NaCa)$^+$ are photoassociated in the excited $E ^{1}\Sigma^+$ electronic state, followed by spontaneous radiative charge transfer and emission through an intermediate state. We find the optimal formation pathway and report radiative charge-exchange cross sections and vibrational distributions of participating electronic states.

Authors

  • Marko Gacesa

    University of Connecticut - Storrs, Department of Physics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA

  • John A. Montgomery

    University of Connecticut - Storrs

  • Harvey H. Michels

    University of Connecticut - Storrs

  • Robin C\^ot\'e

    University of Connecticut - Storrs, University of Connecticut, Department of Physics, Department of Physics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA