{
  "abstract": "Collisional loss of ultracold bialkali molecules is predicted to occur through photo-excitation of collision complexes. However, recent measurements in modulated optical traps report an unexpected lack of excess survival, at odds with theoretical predictions and earlier experiments. We develop a minimal quantum scattering model that treats collisions as a coherent process occurring in the presence of the modulated trap. We demonstrate that quantum reflection from the long-range potential fundamentally alters loss dynamics, removing the tension between recent experiments and predicted sticking times. This framework provides new testable predictions such as a strong dependence on collision energy, initial molecular state, and long-range interactions, that are absent in the currently used phenomenological model.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [],
  "article_type": null,
  "arxiv": "2610.41075",
  "author_total": 2,
  "authors": [
    {
      "name": "Hubert J. Jóźwiak"
    },
    {
      "name": "Tijs Karman"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/880rbdvkra3q7.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.48550/arxiv.2610.41075",
  "fulltext_url": null,
  "id": "880rbdvkra3q7",
  "issns": [],
  "landing_url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/2610.41075",
  "language": null,
  "licence": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "licence_label": "CC BY 4.0",
  "licence_source": "article",
  "licence_url": "http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": "CC0-1.0",
  "native_subjects": [
    [
      "arxiv",
      "cond-mat.quant-gas"
    ],
    [
      "arxiv",
      "physics.atom-ph"
    ]
  ],
  "openalex": null,
  "pdf_url": "https://arxiv.org/pdf/2610.41075",
  "pmcid": null,
  "pmid": null,
  "published": "2026-10-29",
  "publisher": null,
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/880rbdvkra3q7.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-11-02T12:21:15Z",
      "native_id": "2610.41075",
      "source": "arxiv",
      "url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/2610.41075"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "physics",
      "origin": "arxiv:cond-mat.quant-gas",
      "subfield": "amo"
    },
    {
      "field": "physics",
      "origin": "arxiv:cond-mat.quant-gas",
      "subfield": "condensed-matter"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Minimal model of sticky collisions in modulated optical traps",
  "title_text": "Minimal model of sticky collisions in modulated optical traps",
  "type": "preprint",
  "updated_at": "2026-11-04T15:20:51Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/880rbdvkra3q7",
  "venue": "arXiv",
  "versions": []
}