Observation of magnetically tunable Feshbach resonances in ultracold 23 Na 40 K + 40 K collisions

Abstract

Brief get-togethers between NaK and K Cooling molecules to nanokelvin temperatures places them under the tightest quantum mechanical constraints. Studies in this intriguing regime have been limited to diatomics: Two cold atoms can be lured together into weakly associated Feshbach resonances, which lasers can then shift into a more stable molecular state. Yang et al. now report the observation of triatomic Feshbach resonances in ultracold collisions between potassium (K) atoms and sodium potassium (NaK) diatomics. The findings potentially set the stage for the preparation and study of ultracold triatomic molecules. Science , this issue p. 261