Formation of a Bose condensate of stable molecules via a Feshbach resonance - art. no. 031601

We propose and analyze an approach to convert an atomic condensate into a c ondensate of diatomic molecules in the rovibrational ground state. The proc ess consists of a stimulated Raman transition dramatically enhanced by a ti me-dependent magnetic field that sweeps over a field-induced Feshbach reson ance. For Na atoms the Raman transition probability is enhanced by seven or ders of magnitude, leading to a conversion efficiency of up to 20%. The res ulting condensate is expected to be as stable as the present atomic condens ates. The approach shows promise as a more general process for Feshbach eng ineering molecular condensates from condensates of the constituent atoms/mo lecules.