Abstract
Hydrogen molecules in selected core-nonpenetrating Rydberg-Stark states have been decelerated from a mean initial velocity of to zero velocity in the laboratory frame and loaded into a three-dimensional electrostatic trap. Trapping times, measured by pulsed electric field ionization of the trapped molecules, are found to be limited by collisional processes. As Rydberg states can be deexcited to the absolute ground state, the method can be applied to generate cold samples of a wide range of species.
- Received 6 June 2009
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.103.123001
©2009 American Physical Society
Viewpoint
Molecules on a string
Published 14 September 2009
An electric field can be used to pull on molecular hydrogen’s highly excited outer electron to slow down and trap the molecule.
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