Abstract

We present recent results on the single-step photoassociation of an ultracold gas of LiCs molecules in the low rovibrational states including the ground state. The electric dipole moment of the molecules is determined. Rate coefficients for inelastic atom-molecule collisions in the sub-millikelvin range are measured by observing trap loss from a quasi-electrostatic trap. State redistribution by vibrational relaxation is observed and modeled in a rate-equation approach eludidating the effect of black-body radiation.

© 2010 Optical Society of America