Reflection of OH molecules from magnetic mirrors

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the reflection and focusing of Stark-decelerated OH molecules using two types of magnetic mirrors, showcasing control over molecular beams for potential applications in molecular optics.

Contribution

It introduces two novel magnetic mirror designs for reflecting and focusing cold molecules, combining long-range flat and short-range curved magnetic configurations.

Findings

Long-range flat magnet effectively bunches molecular beams.

Curved magnet array enables transverse focusing of molecules.

Magnetic mirrors successfully reflect and manipulate OH molecular beams.

Abstract

We have reflected a Stark-decelerated beam of OH molecules under normal incidence from mirrors consisting of permanent magnets. Two different types of magnetic mirrors have been demonstrated. A long-range flat mirror made from a large disc magnet has been used to spatially focus the reflected beam in the longitudinal direction ("bunching"). A short-range curved mirror composed of an array of small cube magnets allows for transverse focusing of the reflected beam.