Abstract

For scientifically interesting diatomic free radical molecules, which typically possess large electric dipole moments, Stark deceleration of weak-field seeking states is an ideal method for cold sample production. We utilize a seeded, pulsed supersonic beam in combination with an electric discharge to realize an efficient free radical source that is well-suited for use with Stark deceleration. The source apparatus creates an intense OH molecular beam whose subsequent longitudinal phase-space manipulation by precisely sequenced, pulsed inhomogeneous electric fields is directly observed by in-situ laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection.

© 2004 Optical Society of America