Spin-polarized fermions with p-wave interactions

We have created quantum degenerate Fermi gases of Li-6 atoms at unprecedented high densities exceeding 1/(lambda) over bar (3) (where lambda is the wavelength of resonant light). In this regime, new optical properties are predicted. Spin-polarized Fermi gases are usually regarded as noninteracting due to the weakness of p-wave interactions. Here we study the properties of p-wave matter, where elastic and inelastic p-wave collisions determine the dynamics of the system. We characterize thermalization, evaporative cooling, and inelastic two-body and three-body collisions. P-wave dipolar relaxation creates a metastable mixture of the lowest and highest hyperfine states.

Automated summary

We have created quantum degenerate Fermi gases of Li-6 atoms at unprecedented high densities. The study focuses on the properties of p-wave matter and the effects of p-wave collisions on the system dynamics, including thermalization, evaporative cooling, and collisions. P-wave dipolar relaxation leads to a metastable mixture of different hyperfine states.