Hannover 2010 – scientific programme

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MO: Fachverband Molekülphysik

MO 29: Poster: Experimental Techniques

MO 29.3: Poster

Thursday, March 11, 2010, 16:00–18:30, Lichthof

Alternating gradient focusing of large neutral molecules — Frank Filsinger, •Stephan Putzke, Henrik Haak, Gerard Meijer, and Jochen Küpper — Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Berlin, Germany

Polar molecules can be manipulated using strong electric fields. Many techniques have been developed for the manipulation of small molecules in low-field-seeking quantum states. However, application of these techniques to large molecules is not straightforward, because, for larger molecules, all states are high-field seeking at the relevant electric field strengths.

In order to spatially focus molecules in high-field seeking states alternating gradient (dynamic) focusing has to be applied [1]. This method has been succesfully used, for instance, for the alternating gradient deceleration of benzonitrile [2] and for the conformer selection of 3-aminophenol in an m/µ-selector [3].

Here we discuss how the resolution of such a selector can be optimized by changing the duty cycle of the AC switching sequence and present corresponding experimental results. Furthermore, simulations for a second generation m/µ-selector employing an improved mechanical setup and higher electric fields will be presented.

[1] D. Auerbach et al., J. Chem. Phys. 45 (1966), 2160;
 H.L. Bethlem et al., J. Phys. B 39 (2006), R263

[2] K. Wohlfart et al., Phys. Rev. A 77(3), (2008), 031404(R)

[3] F. Filsinger et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, (2008), 133003