Electrostatic deflection of the water molecule: A fundamental asymmetric rotor.

M.J. Moro, J. Bulthuis, J. Heinrich, V. V. Kresin

    Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    208 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    An inhomogeneous electric field is used to study the deflection of a supersonic beam of water molecules. The deflection profiles show strong broadening accompanied by a small net displacement towards higher electric fields. The profiles are in excellent agreement with a calculation of rotational Stark shifts. The molecular rotational temperature being the only adjustable parameter, beam deflection is found to offer an accurate and practical means of determining this quantity. A pair of especially strongly responding rotational sublevels, adding up to ≈25% of the total beam intensity, are readily separated by deflection, making them potentially useful for further electrostatic manipulation. © 2007 The American Physical Society.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)013415
    JournalPhysical Review A. Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
    Volume75
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2007

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Electrostatic deflection of the water molecule: A fundamental asymmetric rotor.'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this