High-resolution probe of coherence in low-energy charge exchange collisions with oriented targets

Phys Rev Lett. 2013 Sep 27;111(13):133201. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.133201. Epub 2013 Sep 26.

Abstract

The trapping lasers of a magneto-optical trap have been used to bring Rb atoms into well defined oriented states. Coupled to recoil-ion-momentum spectroscopy, this provided a unique MOTRIMS setup which was able to probe scattering dynamics, including the coherence features, with unprecedented resolution. The technique was applied to the low-energy charge exchange reactions Na+ + Rb(5p±1)→Na(3p,4s)+Rb+. The measurements revealed detailed features of the collisional interaction which were employed to improve the theoretical description. As such, it was possible to ascertain the validity of the intuitive models used to predict the most likely capture transitions.