Quantum control of reactions and collisions at ultralow temperatures

At temperatures close to absolute zero, the molecular reactions and collisions are dominantly governed by quantum mechanics. Remarkable quantum phenomena such as quantum tunneling, quantum threshold behavior, quantum resonances, quantum interference, and quantum statistics are expected to be the main features in ultracold reactions and collisions. Ultracold molecules offer great opportunities and challenges in the study of these intriguing quantum phenomena in molecular processes. In this article, we review the recent progress in the preparation of ultracold molecules and the study of ultracold reactions and collisions using ultracold molecules. We focus on the controlled ultracold chemistry and the scattering resonances at ultralow temperatures. The challenges in understanding the complex ultracold reactions and collisions are also discussed.

Automated summary

At temperatures close to absolute zero, ultracold reactions and collisions are mainly governed by quantum mechanics, exhibiting various remarkable quantum phenomena. Ultracold molecules provide opportunities and challenges for studying these phenomena, with recent progress in preparation and research on ultracold reactions and collisions. Controlled ultracold chemistry and scattering resonances at ultralow temperatures are the focus, while challenges in understanding complex ultracold reactions and collisions are also discussed.