vix.ing · top · new · best · stats · spec

Matter-wave interferometer for large molecules

2002/02/26 by Björn Brezger, B. Brezger, L. Hackermüller +7 · 1 citation
Computer Science · Physics and Astronomy · #Cold Atom Physics and Bose-Einstein Condensates #Mechanical and Optical Resonators #Quantum Information and Cryptography #quant-ph

paper · pdf · doi:10.1103/physrevlett.88.100404

published as Phys. Rev. Lett. 88, 100404 (2002) · revtex4, 4 pages, 3 figures

arxiv created 2002/02/26 · openalex publication_date 2002/02/26 · arxiv updated 2016/08/16 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/04

Abstract

We demonstrate a near-field Talbot-Lau interferometer for C-70 fullerene molecules. Such interferometers are particularly suitable for larger masses. Using three free-standing gold gratings of one micrometer period and a transversally incoherent but velocity-selected molecular beam, we achieve an interference fringe visibility of 40 % with high count rate. Both the high visibility and its velocity dependence are in good agreement with a quantum simulation that takes into account the van der Waals interaction of the molecules with the gratings and are in striking contrast to a classical moire model.

Cited by