Collisions between cold molecules in a superconducting magnetic trap

Abstract

SynopsisWe decelerate and trap molecular oxygen using time-dependent magnetic fields and superconducting magnets. The density-dependent, non-exponential decay in particle number provides a clear proof of molecule-molecule collisions within the trapped ensemble. The spatial distribution of molecules in the trap is found to change over time, allowing to set limits on the ratio between the elastic and inelastic collision cross sections. Our experimental scheme opens up new possibilities for studying quantum effects in chemistry as well as for evaporative cooling of molecules.