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Repulsively bound atom pairs in an optical lattice

Author

Listed:
  • K. Winkler

    (Institute for Experimental Physics)

  • G. Thalhammer

    (Institute for Experimental Physics)

  • F. Lang

    (Institute for Experimental Physics)

  • R. Grimm

    (Institute for Experimental Physics
    Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information of the Austrian Academy of Sciences)

  • J. Hecker Denschlag

    (Institute for Experimental Physics)

  • A. J. Daley

    (University of Innsbruck
    Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information of the Austrian Academy of Sciences)

  • A. Kantian

    (University of Innsbruck
    Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information of the Austrian Academy of Sciences)

  • H. P. Büchler

    (University of Innsbruck
    Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information of the Austrian Academy of Sciences)

  • P. Zoller

    (University of Innsbruck
    Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information of the Austrian Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

An unlikely union In physics it is common for objects that attract each other to form stable bound states by lowering their energy. But under certain conditions, stable composite objects exist even for repulsive interactions. The creation of one such exotic bound state is reported this week. It consists of a pair of ultracold rubidium atoms in an optical lattice. The pairs are stable because two atoms sitting on a given site of an optical lattice with strong repulsive interactions cannot decay as they cannot convert their potential energy into kinetic energy, a phenomenon explained by the constraints of the Bose–Hubbard model for the structure of ultracold quantum gases.

Suggested Citation

  • K. Winkler & G. Thalhammer & F. Lang & R. Grimm & J. Hecker Denschlag & A. J. Daley & A. Kantian & H. P. Büchler & P. Zoller, 2006. "Repulsively bound atom pairs in an optical lattice," Nature, Nature, vol. 441(7095), pages 853-856, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:441:y:2006:i:7095:d:10.1038_nature04918
    DOI: 10.1038/nature04918
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