Slowing heavy, ground-state molecules using an alternating gradient decelerator

We have decelerated a supersonic beam of 174YbF molecules using a switched sequence of electrostatic field gradients. These molecules are 7 times heavier than any previously decelerated. An alternating gradient structure allows us to decelerate and focus the molecules in their ground state. We show...

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Published inPhysical review letters Vol. 92; no. 17; p. 173002
Main Authors Tarbutt, M R, Bethlem, H L, Hudson, J J, Ryabov, V L, Ryzhov, V A, Sauer, B E, Meijer, G, Hinds, E A
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 30.04.2004
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Summary:We have decelerated a supersonic beam of 174YbF molecules using a switched sequence of electrostatic field gradients. These molecules are 7 times heavier than any previously decelerated. An alternating gradient structure allows us to decelerate and focus the molecules in their ground state. We show that the decelerator exhibits the axial and transverse stability required to bring the molecules to rest. Our work significantly extends the range of molecules amenable to this powerful method of cooling and trapping.
ISSN:0031-9007
DOI:10.1103/physrevlett.92.173002