Hannover 2010 – scientific programme

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MO: Fachverband Molekülphysik

MO 6: Cold Molecules I

MO 6.1: Group Report

Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 14:00–14:30, F 142

A microwave lens for polar molecules — •Melanie Schnell, Simon Merz, Hitoshi Odashima, Katsunari Enomoto, and Gerard Meijer — Fritz-Haber-Institut, Berlin, Germany

The motion of polar molecules can be manipulated using inhomogeneous electric fields. An alternative way, which is especially interesting for larger and complex molecules, is based on electromagnetic fields, such as microwave and optical fields. We are currently investigating the possibilities of using microwave radiation for focusing, decelerating and trapping molecules. The force exerted on a molecule in microwave fields depends on its dipole moment, the detuning of the microwave frequency from the molecular resonance frequency and the field strength. Microwaves are especially suited since small detunings and thus large interaction energies are possible. After a more general introduction to manipulating the motion of polar molecules using microwave radiation, this group report will focus on mainly two different aspects:

Using a cylindrically symmetric copper resonator, we can generate a standing microwave field which acts like a positive lens on polar molecules: They experience a focusing force in transverse directions which prevents them from spreading out. The characterization of this novel microwave lens is discussed.

In a second, very similar setup we will go one step further and exchange the cylindrically symmetric resonator by an open Fabry-Perot type resonator. Using fast microwave switches, it can also be used to decelerate molecules and to eventually trap them in the center of a standing wave maximum.