Molecules on Kepler Orbits: An Experimental Study

We have demonstrated experimentally that polar molecules revolve around the inner electrode of a charged cylindrical capacitor in helical trajectories that result from a superposition of a translational motion along and an orbital motion around the cylinder axis. In this way molecular beams can be guided over any given distance. The results have been obtained for nozzle beams of NaCl, NaBr, and NaI seeded in Kr. The capacitor bent into a toroid may be used as a storage ring for polar molecules in high field seeking rotational states.