Eur. Phys. J. D 57, 33-41 (2010)
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/e2010-00008-9

Loading Stark-decelerated molecules into electrostatic quadrupole traps

Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany

Corresponding author: meijer@fhi-berlin.mpg.de

Received: 16 October 2009
Revised: 25 November 2009
Published online: 26 January 2010

Abstract

Beams of neutral polar molecules in a low-field seeking quantum state can be slowed down using a Stark decelerator, and can subsequently be loaded and confined in electrostatic quadrupole traps. The efficiency of the trap loading process is determined by the ability to couple the decelerated packet of molecules into the trap without loss of molecules and without heating. We discuss the inherent difficulties to obtain ideal trap loading, and describe and compare different trap loading strategies. A new “split-endcap” quadrupole trap design is presented that enables improved trap loading efficiencies. This is experimentally verified by comparing the trapping of OH radicals using the conventional and the new quadrupole trap designs.