title: Quantum reactive scattering of ultracold NH(X (3)Σ(-)) radicals in a magnetic trap.
abstract: We investigate the ultracold reaction dynamics of magnetically trapped NH(X (3)Σ(-)) radicals using rigorous quantum scattering calculations involving three coupled potential energy surfaces. We find that the reactive NH+NH cross section is driven by a short-ranged collisional mechanism, and its magnitude is only weakly dependent on magnetic field strength. Unlike most ultracold reactions observed so far, the NH+NH scattering dynamics is nonuniversal. Our results indicate that chemical reactions can cause more trap loss than spin-inelastic NH+NH collisions, making molecular evaporative cooling more difficult than previously anticipated.
authors: Radboud University Nijmegen, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands. ljanssen@science.ru.nl
authors: Liesbeth M C
authors: LM
authors: Janssen
authors: Ad
authors: A
authors: van der Avoird
authors: Gerrit C
authors: GC
authors: Groenenboom