Matter-Wave Interferometer for Large Molecules

We demonstrate a near-field Talbot-Lau interferometer for C₇₀ fullerene molecules. Such interferometers are particularly suitable for larger masses. Using three free-standing gold gratings of 1 μm period and a transversally incoherent but velocity-selected molecular beam, we achieve an interference fringe visibility of 40% with high count rate. Both the high visibility and its velocity dependence are in good agreement with a quantum simulation that takes into account the van der Waals interaction of the molecules with the gratings and are in striking contrast to a classical moiré model.