Alternating gradient focusing and deceleration of polar molecules

Bethlem, H.L.; Tarbutt, M.R.; Kupper, J.; Carty, D.; Wohlfart, K.; Hinds, E.A.; Meijer, G.

doi:10.1088/0953-4075/39/16/r01

Alternating gradient focusing and deceleration of polar molecules

Bethlem, H.L.; Tarbutt, M.R.; Kupper, J.; Carty, D.; Wohlfart, K.; Hinds, E.A.; Meijer, G.

Authors

H.L. Bethlem

M.R. Tarbutt

J. Kupper

Dr David Carty david.carty@durham.ac.uk
Associate Professor

K. Wohlfart

E.A. Hinds

G. Meijer

Abstract

Beams of polar molecules can be focused using an array of electrostatic lenses in alternating gradient (AG) configuration. They can also be accelerated or decelerated by applying an appropriate high-voltage switching sequence to the lenses. AG focusing is applicable to molecules in both low-field- and high-field-seeking states and is particularly well suited to the problem of decelerating heavy molecules and those in their ground rotational state. We describe the principles of AG deceleration and set out criteria to be followed in decelerator design, construction and operation. We calculate the longitudinal and transverse focusing properties of a decelerator, and exemplify this by 2D-imaging studies of a decelerated beam of metastable CO molecules.

Citation

Bethlem, H., Tarbutt, M., Kupper, J., Carty, D., Wohlfart, K., Hinds, E., & Meijer, G. (2006). Alternating gradient focusing and deceleration of polar molecules. Journal of Physics B: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, 39(16), R263-R291. https://doi.org/10.1088/0953-4075/39/16/r01

Journal Article Type	Article
Publication Date	Aug 1, 2006
Deposit Date	May 7, 2008
Journal	Journal of Physics B: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Print ISSN	0953-4075
Electronic ISSN	1361-6455
Publisher	IOP Publishing
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	39
Issue	16
Pages	R263-R291
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1088/0953-4075/39/16/r01