• Featured in Physics

Laser Radiation Pressure Slowing of a Molecular Beam

J. F. Barry, E. S. Shuman, E. B. Norrgard, and D. DeMille
Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 103002 – Published 8 March 2012
Physics logo See Synopsis: Molecular Speed Bump

Abstract

We demonstrate deceleration of a beam of neutral strontium monofluoride molecules using radiative forces. Under certain conditions, the deceleration results in a substantial flux of detected molecules with velocities 50m/s. Simulations and other data indicate that the detection of molecules below this velocity is greatly diminished by transverse divergence from the beam. The observed slowing, from 140m/s, corresponds to scattering 104 photons. We also observe longitudinal velocity compression under different conditions. Combined with molecular laser cooling techniques, this lays the groundwork to create slow and cold molecular beams suitable for trap loading.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 2 December 2011

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.108.103002

© 2012 American Physical Society

Synopsis

Key Image

Molecular Speed Bump

Published 8 March 2012

Experimenters slow molecules by shining lasers at them.

See more in Physics

Authors & Affiliations

J. F. Barry*, E. S. Shuman, E. B. Norrgard, and D. DeMille

  • Department of Physics, Yale University, P.O. Box 208120, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA

  • *john.barry@yale.edu

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 108, Iss. 10 — 9 March 2012

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
CHORUS

Article Available via CHORUS

Download Accepted Manuscript
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×