Multichannel scattering problem with a nonseparable angular part as a boundary-value problem.

We have developed an efficient computational method for solving the quantum multichannel scattering problem with a nonseparable angular part. The use of the nondirect product discrete-variable representation, suggested and developed by V. Melezhik, gives us an accurate approximation for the angular part of the desired wave function and, eventually, for the scattering parameters.

Dipolar confinement-induced resonances of ultracold gases in waveguides.

We develop a nonperturbative theoretical framework to treat collisions with generic anisotropic interactions in quasi-one-dimensional geometries. Our method avoids the limitations of pseudopotential theory and allows us to include accurately long-range anisotropic interactions. For ultracold dipolar collisions in a harmonic waveguide we predict dipolar confinement-induced resonances (DCIRs) which are attributed to different angular momentum states.

Isotopic evidence for massive oxidation of organic matter following the great oxidation event.

The stable isotope record of marine carbon indicates that the Proterozoic Eon began and ended with extreme fluctuations in the carbon cycle. In both the Paleoproterozoic [2500 to 1600 million years ago (Ma)] and Neoproterozoic (1000 to 542 Ma), extended intervals of anomalously high carbon isotope ratios (δ(13)C) indicate high rates of organic matter burial and release of oxygen to the atmosphere; in the Neoproterozoic, the high δ(13)C interval was punctuated by abrupt swings to low δ(13)C, indicating massive oxidation of organic matter. We report a Paleoproterozoic negative δ(13)C excursion that is similar in magnitude and apparent duration to the Neoproterozoic anomaly.

Confinement-induced resonances in low-dimensional quantum systems.

We report on the observation of confinement-induced resonances in strongly interacting quantum-gas systems with tunable interactions for one- and two-dimensional geometry. Atom-atom scattering is substantially modified when the s-wave scattering length approaches the length scale associated with the tight transversal confinement, leading to characteristic loss and heating signatures. Upon introducing an anisotropy for the transversal confinement we observe a splitting of the confinement-induced resonance.

Suppression of quantum scattering in strongly confined systems.

We demonstrate that scattering of particles strongly interacting in three dimensions (3D) can be suppressed at low energies in a quasi-one-dimensional (1D) confinement. The underlying mechanism is the interference of the s- and p-wave scattering contributions with large s- and p-wave 3D scattering lengths being a necessary prerequisite. This low-dimensional quantum scattering effect might be useful in "interacting" quasi-1D ultracold atomic gases, guided atom interferometry, and impurity scattering in strongly confined quantum wire-based electronic devices.

Ultracold atom-atom collisions in a nonresonant laser field.

Using a recently developed approach for treating the three-dimensional anisotropic scattering we find considerable influence of a nonresonant laser field with intensity I> or =10(5) W/cm(2) on the Cs-Cs ultracold collisions. Strong dependence on the laser wavelength lambda(L) is shown at the optical region as lambda(L) becomes shorter than the critical value lambda(0) approximately 3000 nm (of the atomic de Broglie wave lambda) defining the region lambda(0)< or =lambda of the s-wave domination in the absence of the external field. Dependence on the laser polarization is also essential.

Quantum energy flow in atomic ions moving in magnetic fields.

Using a combination of semiclassical and recently developed wave packet propagation techniques we find the quantum self-ionization process of highly excited ions moving in magnetic fields which has its origin in the energy transfer from the center of mass to the electronic motion. It obeys a time scale orders of magnitude larger than the corresponding classical process. Importantly a quantum coherence phenomenon leading to the intermittent behavior of the ionization signal is found and analyzed.