Matter-wave interferometer for large molecules.
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 1 microm 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.
Brezger
Björn
B
Universität Wien, Institut für Experimentalphysik, Boltzmanngasse 5, A-1090 Wien, Austria.
Hackermüller
Lucia
L
Uttenthaler
Stefan
S
Petschinka
Julia
J
Arndt
Markus
M
Zeilinger
Anton
A