# Suppression of Zeeman Relaxation in Cold Collisions of $$^2P_{1/2}$$ Atoms

 Title: Suppression of Zeeman Relaxation in Cold Collisions of $$^2P_{1/2}$$ Atoms Author: Tscherbul, T.V.; Buchachenko, A.A.; Dalgarno, Alexander; Lu, M.-J.; Weinstein, J.D. Note: Order does not necessarily reflect citation order of authors. Citation: Tscherbul, T. V., A. A. Buchachenko, Alexander Dalgarno, M.-J. Lu, J. D. Weinstein. 2009. Suppression of Zeeman relaxation in cold collisions of $$^2P_{1/2}$$ atoms. Physical Review A 80:040701(R). Full Text & Related Files: PREVIEW A 80-04070.pdf (148.5Kb; PDF) Abstract: We present a combined experimental and theoretical study of angular momentum depolarization in cold collisions of $$^2P$$ atoms in the presence of an external magnetic field. We show that collision-induced Zeeman relaxation of Ga$$^2P_{1/2}$$ and In $$^2P_{1/2}$$ atoms in cold $$^4$$He gas is dramatically suppressed compared to atoms in $$^2P_{3/2}$$ states. Using rigorous quantum-scattering calculations based on ab initio interaction potentials, we demonstrate that Zeeman transitions in collisions of atoms in $$^2P$$ electronic states occur via couplings to the $$^2P_{3/2}$$ state induced by the anisotropy of the interaction potential. Our results suggest the feasibility of sympatheticthetic cooling and magnetic trapping of $$^2P_{1/2}$$-state atoms, such as halogens, thereby opening up exciting areas of research in precision spectroscopy and cold-controlled chemistry. Published Version: doi:10.1103/PhysRevA.80.040701 Other Sources: http://arxiv.org/abs/1003.1106 Terms of Use: This article is made available under the terms and conditions applicable to Other Posted Material, as set forth at http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:dash.current.terms-of-use#LAA Citable link to this page: http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:10058473 Downloads of this work: