State-to-state chemistry at ultra-low temperature

Abstract

Fully understanding a chemical reaction on the quantum level is a long-standing goal in physics and chemistry. Experimental investigation of such state-to-state chemistry requires both the preparation of the reactants and the detection of the products in a quantum state resolved way, which has been a long term challenge. Using the high level control in the ultracold domain, we prepare a few-body quantum state of reactants and demonstrate state-to-state chemistry with unprecedented resolution. We present measurements and accompanying theoretical analysis for the recombination of three spin-polarized ultracold Rb atoms forming a weakly bound Rb$_2$ dimer. Detailed insights of the reaction process are obtained that suggest propensity rules for the distribution of reaction products. The scheme can readily be adapted to other species and opens a door to detailed investigations of inelastic or reactive processes in domains never before accessible.