Slow beams of massive molecules

• Published in: The European physical journal. D, Atomic, molecular, and optical physics Atomic, molecular, and optical physics, 2008, Vol.46 (2), p.307-313
• Main Authors: Deachapunya, S., Fagan, P. J., Major, A. G., Reiger, E., Ritsch, H., Stefanov, A., Ulbricht, H., Arndt, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applications of Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos Theory; Atom and neutron interferometry; Atom, molecule and ion trapping and colling methods; Atomic; Atomic and molecular physics; Classical and quantum physics: mechanics and fields; Exact sciences and technology; Laser Cooling and Quantum Gas; Macromolecules; Matter waves; Mechanical control of atoms, molecules and ions; Molecular; Molecular beams; Molecular properties and interactions with photons; Optical and Plasma Physics; Optical cooling of molecules; trapping; Photon interactions with molecules; Physical Chemistry; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Quantum Information Technology; Quantum mechanics; Quantum Physics; Spectroscopy/Spectrometry; Spintronics
• ISSN: 1434-6060; 1434-6079
• DOI: 10.1140/epjd/e2007-00301-8

. Slow beams of neutral molecules are of great interest for a wide range of applications, from cold chemistry through precision measurements to tests of the foundations of quantum mechanics. We report on the quantitative observation of thermal beams of perfluorinated macromolecules with masses up to 6000 amu, reaching velocities down to 11 m/s. Such slow, heavy and neutral molecular beams are of importance for a new class of experiments in matter-wave interferometry and we also discuss the requirements for further manipulation and cooling schemes with molecules in this unprecedented mass range.