Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Frontiers in Optics

Manipulating Polar Molecules: Traps, Synchrotrons and Chips

Gerard Meijer

Published Jan 1, 2008• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The motion of polar molecules in a beam can be manipulated with electric fields. Decelerated beams of molecules can be loaded in traps or storage rings, and manipulation of molecules on a chip is demonstrated.
DOI
10.1364/ls.2008.lwj1

Related papers

Towards ultracold chemistry; manipulation of polar molecules with electric fields

Jochen Küpper, Hendrick L. Bethlem, Floris M. H. Crompvoets +5 more

Deceleration and trapping of polar molecules using time-varying electric fields is described. Decelerated ND3 and OH molecules are trapped in an electrostatic trap, slow beams of ammonia are injected in a storage ring and have also been used for testing micro-structured optical elements and for high-resolution spectroscopy. Alternate gradient deceleration and AC electric trapping of ground-state molecules is discussed.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics•Jan 1, 2005•0 citations

Trapping molecules on chips

Gabriele Santambrogio

In the last years, it was demonstrated that neutral molecules can be loaded on a microchip directly from a supersonic beam. The molecules are confined in microscopic traps that can be moved smoothly over the surface of the chip. Once the molecules are trapped, they can be decelerated to a standstill, for instance, or pumped into selected quantum states by laser light or microwaves. Molecules are detected on the chip by time-resolved spatial imaging, which allows for the study of the distribution in the phase space of the molecular ensemble.

arXiv:1509.03771•EPJ Techniques and Instrumentation•Sep 9, 2015•9 citations

Taming molecular collisions using electric and magnetic fields

M. Brouard, David H. Parker, Sebastiaan Y. T. van de Meerakker

The motion of molecules that possess a permanent electric or magnetic dipole moment can be manipulated using electric or magnetic fields. Various devices have been developed over the last few decades to deflect or focus molecules, to orient them in space, and to decelerate or accelerate them. These precisely controlled molecules are ideal starting points for scattering experiments that reveal the quantum mechanical nature of molecular interactions. In this Tutorial Review, we present an overview of the various manipulation tools, discuss how they can be used to advantage in molecular beam scattering experiments, and review recent progress in this field. We describe a selection of benchmark experiments that illustrate the unique possibilities that are available nowadays to study molecular collisions under controlled conditions.

Chemical Society Reviews•Jan 1, 2014•64 citations

Taming molecular beams; towards a gas-phase molecular laboratory on a chip

Samuel A. Meek, Gabriele Santambrogio, Horst Conrad +1 more

The manipulation of gas-phase molecules with electric and magnetic fields above a chip is an emerging field of research. Miniaturization of the electric and magnetic field structures allows for the creation of large field gradients and tight traps above the chip. Present-day microelectronics technology enables the integration of complicated tools and devices on a compact surface area. The molecules can be positioned extremely accurately and reproducibly above the chip where they can be held isolated from their environment and where there is excellent access to them. It is expected that several of the gas-phase molecular beam experiments that are currently being done in machines that are up to several meters in length can in the future be performed on a surface area of a few cm 2 and that many new experiments will become possible.

Journal of Physics Conference Series•Nov 1, 2009•5 citations

Manipulation and Control of Molecular Beams: The Development of the Stark-Decelerator

Gerard Meijer

Abstract State-selective manipulation of beams of atoms and molecules with electric and magnetic fields has been crucial for the success of the field of molecular beams. Originally, this manipulation only involved the transverse motion. In this Chapter, the development of the Stark-decelerator, that allows to also manipulate and control the longitudinal motion of molecules in a beam, is presented.

Springer eBooks•Jan 1, 2021•3 citations

Atoms, molecules, and optics on chips

M. Tscherneck, Jan Kleinert, Christopher Haimberger +4 more

We discuss the realization of atomic, molecular and optical physics experiments using microfabricated "chip" structures. We focus in particular on the potential for trapping ultra-cold polar molecules using such chip devices and consider the feasibility of several designs and applications.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Feb 9, 2006•1 citation
In the last years, it was demonstrated that neutral molecules can be loaded on a microchip directly from a supersonic beam. The molecules are confined in microscopic traps that can be moved smoothly over the surface of the chip. Once the molecules are trapped, they can be decelerated to a standstill, for instance, or pumped into selected quantum states by laser light or microwaves. Molecules are detected on the chip by time-resolved spatial imaging, which allows for the study of the distribution in the phase space of the molecular ensemble.
The motion of molecules that possess a permanent electric or magnetic dipole moment can be manipulated using electric or magnetic fields. Various devices have been developed over the last few decades to deflect or focus molecules, to orient them in space, and to decelerate or accelerate them. These precisely controlled molecules are ideal starting points for scattering experiments that reveal the quantum mechanical nature of molecular interactions. In this Tutorial Review, we present an overview of the various manipulation tools, discuss how they can be used to advantage in molecular beam scattering experiments, and review recent progress in this field. We describe a selection of benchmark experiments that illustrate the unique possibilities that are available nowadays to study molecular collisions under controlled conditions.
The manipulation of gas-phase molecules with electric and magnetic fields above a chip is an emerging field of research. Miniaturization of the electric and magnetic field structures allows for the creation of large field gradients and tight traps above the chip. Present-day microelectronics technology enables the integration of complicated tools and devices on a compact surface area. The molecules can be positioned extremely accurately and reproducibly above the chip where they can be held isolated from their environment and where there is excellent access to them. It is expected that several of the gas-phase molecular beam experiments that are currently being done in machines that are up to several meters in length can in the future be performed on a surface area of a few cm 2 and that many new experiments will become possible.