Matter-Wave Interferometer for Large Molecules

Björn Brezger, Lucia Hackermüller, Stefan Uttenthaler, Julia Petschinka, Markus Arndt, and Anton Zeilinger
Phys. Rev. Lett. 88, 100404 – Published 26 February 2002
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Abstract

We demonstrate a near-field Talbot-Lau interferometer for C70 fullerene molecules. Such interferometers are particularly suitable for larger masses. Using three free-standing gold gratings of 1μm 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 moiré model.

  • Received 20 November 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.88.100404

©2002 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Björn Brezger, Lucia Hackermüller, Stefan Uttenthaler, Julia Petschinka, Markus Arndt, and Anton Zeilinger*

  • Universität Wien, Institut für Experimentalphysik, Boltzmanngasse 5, A-1090 Wien, Austria

  • *Email address: zeilinger-office@exp.univie.ac.atwww.quantum.univie.ac.at

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Vol. 88, Iss. 10 — 11 March 2002

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