Interaction of polar molecules with resonant radio frequency electric fields: imaging of the NO molecular beam splitting

J Phys Chem A. 2006 Dec 28;110(51):13643-5. doi: 10.1021/jp0668201.

Abstract

The interaction between a NO supersonic beam and a resonant radio frequency (RF) field is investigated using laser ionization coupled to imaging techniques. It is shown how the resonant interaction leads to a beam splitting of +/-0.2 degrees toward both positive and negative direction perpendicular to the beam propagation axis. This phenomenon is rationalized using a model based on molecular interferences produced by the action of the resonant RF electric field.