A STORAGE-RING FOR POLAR-MOLECULES

An electrostatic storage ring for polar molecules is proposed, includi ng an analysis of the ring dynamics, loading, and losses for experimen tally practical parameters. It is shown that storage lifetimes on the order of 10(3)-10(4) s can be expected for methyl fluoride under reaso nable operating conditions. A design for the storage ring is presented along with potential applications to molecular beam steering, molecul ar collision physics, and surface deposition and lithography. Other ap proaches to molecular storage are also briefly discussed. (C) 1997 Ame rican Institute of Physics. [S0021-9606(97)01744-3].