Atom-molecule theory of broad Feshbach resonances

We derive the atom-molecule theory for an atomic gas near a broad Feshbach resonance, where the energy dependence of the atom-molecule coupling becomes crucial for understanding experimental results. We show how our many-body theory incorporates the two-atom physics exactly. In particular, we calculate the magnetic moment of a two-component gas of ^{6}Li atoms for a wide range of magnetic fields near the broad Feshbach resonance at about 834 Gauss. We find excellent agreement with the experiment of Jochim et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 240402 (2003)].Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure

Effective one-component description of two-component Bose-Einstein condensate dynamics

We investigate dynamics in two-component Bose-Einstein condensates in the context of coupled Gross-Pitaevskii equations and derive results for the evolution of the total density fluctuations. Using these results, we show how, in many cases of interest, the dynamics can be accurately described with an effective one-component Gross-Pitaevskii equation for one of the components, with the trap and interaction coefficients determined by the relative differences in the scattering lengths. We discuss the model in various regimes, where it predicts breathing excitations, and the formation of vector solitons. An effective nonlinear evolution is predicted for some cases of current experimental interest. We then apply the model to construct quasi-stationary states of two-component condensates.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figure

Observation of a temperature dependent electrical resistance minimum above the magnetic ordering temperature in Gd2_2PdSi3_3

Results on electrical resistivity, magnetoresistance, magnetic Results on electrical resistivity, magnetoresistance, magnetic susceptibility, heat capacity and Gd Mossbauer measurements on a Gd-based intermetallic compound, Gd$_{2}$PdSi$_{3}$ are reported. A finding of interest is that the resistivity unexpectedly shows a well-defined minimum at about 45 K, well above the long range magnetic ordering temperature (21 K), a feature which gets suppressed by the application of a magnetic field. This observation in a Gd alloy presents an interesting scenario. On the basis of our results, we propose electron localization induced by s-f (or d-f) exchange interaction prior to long range magnetic order as a mechanism for the electrical resistance minimum.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Highly Sensitive Gamma-Spectrometers of GERDA for Material Screening: Part 2

The previous article about material screening for GERDA points out the importance of strict material screening and selection for radioimpurities as a key to meet the aspired background levels of the GERDA experiment. This is directly done using low-level gamma-spectroscopy. In order to provide sufficient selective power in the mBq/kg range and below, the employed gamma-spectrometers themselves have to meet strict material requirements, and make use of an elaborate shielding system. This article gives an account of the setup of two such spectrometers. Corrado is located in a depth of 15 m w.e. at the MPI-K in Heidelberg (Germany), GeMPI III is situated at the Gran-Sasso underground laboratory at 3500 m w.e. (Italy). The latter one aims at detecting sample activities of the order ~0.01 mBq/kg, which is the current state-of-the-art level. The applied techniques to meet the respective needs are discussed and demonstrated by experimental results.Comment: Featured in: Proceedings of the XIV International Baksan School "Particles and Cosmology" Baksan Valley, Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia, April 16-21,2007. INR RAS, Moscow 2008. ISBN 978-5-94274-055-9, pp. 233-238; (6 pages, 4 figures

Conversion of an Atomic Fermi Gas to a Long-Lived Molecular Bose Gas

We have converted an ultracold Fermi gas of $^6$Li atoms into an ultracold gas of $^6$Li$_2$ molecules by adiabatic passage through a Feshbach resonance. Approximately $1.5 \times 10^5$ molecules in the least-bound, $v = 38$, vibrational level of the X$^1 \Sigma ^+_g$ singlet state are produced with an efficiency of 50%. The molecules remain confined in an optical trap for times of up to 1 s before we dissociate them by a reverse adiabatic sweep.Comment: Accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. Letter