Ultracold chemistry and dipolar collisions in a quantum gas of polar molecules

Ultracold polar molecular quantum gases promise to open new research directions ranging from the study of ultra-cold chemistry, precision measurements to novel quantum phase transitions. Based on the preparation of high-phase space density gases of polar KRb molecules [1–3], I will discuss the control of dipolar collisions and chemical reactions of polar molecules in a regime where quantum statistics, single scattering partial waves, and quantum threshold laws play a dominant role [4]. In particular, I will point out the crucial role of electric dipole-dipole interactions [5] and external confinement [6] in determining the chemical reaction rate. Finally, I will discuss prospects of reaching quantum degeneracy in bialkali samples of polar molecules and prospects for these systems as novel dipolar quantum many-body systems.