Tuning Interatomic Forces with Magnetic Fields: Feshbach Resonances in Lithium-6

Abstract

Feshbach resonances, first studied in the context of nuclear reactions, have since become a cornerstone of modern atomic physics. They offer a remarkable degree of control over interatomic (and even intermolecular) interactions by tuning external magnetic fields. This tunability arises from the interplay between quantum scattering and the internal structure of atoms or nuclei. In this work, we explore the essential physics of Feshbach resonances using only basic quantum mechanics, aiming to make this powerful concept accessible to educators and students alike.