Abstract
We demonstrate a near-field Talbot-Lau interferometer for fullerene molecules. Such interferometers are particularly suitable for larger masses. Using three free-standing gold gratings of period and a transversally incoherent but velocity-selected molecular beam, we achieve an interference fringe visibility of 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 moiré model.
- Received 20 November 2001
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.88.100404
©2002 American Physical Society