Spin--spin interaction and magnetic Feshbach resonances in collisions of high-spin atoms with closed-shell atoms

Abstract: We investigate interactions and ultracold collisions of high-spin but spherical atoms with closed-shell atoms, focussing on the example of Cr with Yb. Such a combination has only one potential energy curve but gives rise to a substantial intra-atomic spin--spin interaction, which causes Feshbach resonances due to rotationally excited states. We find such resonances are guaranteed below 250 G and can reach widths of 10s of G in favorable circumstances. We study the effect of hyperfine structure, which can create additional wide resonances at low fields. Finally, we consider isotopic substitution and show that for any realistic potential it is very likely at least one combination of commonly used isotopes will have resonances with experimentally favorable properties. Thus, this is a promising system for both molecule formation and studying quantum mixtures including dipolar species.