Helium-droplet-assisted preparation of cold RbSr molecules.

We present a combined experimental and theoretical study of the RbSr molecule. The experimental approach is based on the formation of RbSr molecules on helium nanodroplets. Utilizing two-photon ionization spectroscopy, an excitation spectrum ranging from 11,600 up to 23,000 cm(-1) was recorded. High level ab initio calculations of potential energy curves and transition dipole moments accompany the experiment and facilitate an assignment of transitions. We show that RbSr molecules desorb from the helium droplets upon excitation, which enables dispersed fluorescence spectroscopy of free RbSr. These spectra elucidate X(2)Σ(+) ground and excited state properties. Emission spectra originating from states corresponding to the Rb(5s(2)S) + Sr(5s5p(3)P) asymptote were recorded; spin-orbit coupling was included for the simulation. The results should provide a good basis for achieving the formation of this molecule in cold collisions, thus offering intriguing prospects for ultracold molecular physics.

Characterization of RbSr molecules: spectral analysis on helium droplets.

We report an experimental investigation of RbSr molecules attached to helium nanodroplets. The molecules are prepared on the surface of helium droplets by utilizing a sequential pickup scheme. We provide a detailed analysis of the excitation spectrum in the wavelength range 11,600-23,000 cm(-1). The spectrum has been recorded by resonance enhanced multi-photon ionization time-of-flight spectroscopy. The inherent mass sensitivity of the method allows for an unraveling of the RbSr spectrum, which is influenced by Rb and Sr dimer contributions, because of the proximity of their respective isotopologues. In addition, the vibrationally resolved 4(2)Σ(+) band was investigated using laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy. The vibronic transitions exhibit a lambda-shaped peak form, which is characteristic of excitations on helium droplets and indicative of strong coupling of the molecule to the superfluid helium environment. Furthermore, the vibrationally resolved 4(2)Σ(+) state enables the determination of molecular parameters, which are in excellent agreement with previously measured dispersed fluorescence spectra, originating from bare RbSr molecules. The assignment of recorded transitions is based on calculated transition dipole moments and potential energy curves. The theoretical results allow for the identification of transitions from the vibronic X(2)Σ(+) ground state to the 2(2)Π, 3(2)Σ(+), 4(2)Σ(+), 3(2)Π, 4(2)Π and 6(2)Σ(+) states. The detailed investigation of RbSr on helium droplets provides a solid basis for further high resolution gas phase studies of this diatomic molecule that holds promise in the area of cold molecular physics.