Molecules on Kepler orbits: An experimental study

We have demonstrated experimentally that polar molecules revolve around the inner electrode of a charged cylindrical capacitor in helical trajectories that result from a superposition of a translational motion along and an or bital motion around the cylinder axis. In this way molecular beams can be g uided over any given distance. The results have been obtained for nozzle be ams of NaCl, NaBr, and NaI seeded in Kr. The capacitor bent into a toroid m ay be used as a storage ring for polar molecules in high field seeking rota tional states.