Spatially-controlled complex molecules and their applications

TL;DR

This paper discusses the use of inhomogeneous electric fields to manipulate and separate complex neutral molecules in the gas phase, enabling better control over their structure and quantum states for various scientific applications.

Contribution

It introduces a method for controlling complex molecules using dynamic electric fields, advancing the precision of molecular manipulation and separation techniques.

Findings

Effective separation of molecules by size, isomer, and quantum state.

All quantum states of these molecules are strong-field seeking.

Current applications and future potentials of controlled molecular samples.

Abstract

The understanding of molecular structure and function is at the very heart of the chemical and molecular sciences. Experiments that allow for the creation of structurally pure samples and the investigation of their molecular dynamics and chemical function have developed tremendously over the last few decades, although "there's plenty of room at the bottom" for better control as well as further applications. Here, we describe the use of inhomogeneous electric fields for the manipulation of neutral molecules in the gas-phase, \ie, for the separation of complex molecules according to size, structural isomer, and quantum state. For these complex molecules, all quantum states are strong-field seeking, requiring dynamic fields for their confinement. Current applications of these controlled samples are summarised and interesting future applications discussed.