An electrostatic elliptical mirror for neutral polar molecules

TL;DR

This paper introduces an electrostatic elliptical mirror designed for neutral polar molecules, enabling precise focusing and steering of molecular beams using microstructured electrodes and electrostatic potentials.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel electrostatic elliptical mirror with microstructured electrodes for focusing polar molecules, validated by experimental and simulation results.

Findings

Successfully focused metastable CO molecules

Electrostatic mirror's focusing matches trajectory simulations

Potential for advanced molecular beam manipulation

Abstract

Focusing optics for neutral molecules finds application in shaping and steering molecular beams. Here we present an electrostatic elliptical mirror for polar molecules consisting of an array of microstructured gold electrodes deposited on a glass substrate. Alternating positive and negative voltages applied to the electrodes create a repulsive potential for molecules in low-field-seeking states. The equipotential lines are parallel to the substrate surface, which is bent in an elliptical shape. The mirror is characterized by focusing a beam of metastable CO molecules and the results are compared to the outcome of trajectory simulations.