Molecular beam depletion by homogeneous and oscillating electric fields

As was suggested by a theoretical study made by one of us [An. Fis. 93 (199 7) 105] the attenuation of a N2O supersonic beam was observed when molecule s interact with both a homogeneous electric field and a radiofrequency reso nant with the Stark N2O(1, +/-1) --> (1, 0) transition. The experimental ob servation of the new phenomenon opens interesting possibilities not only fo r fundamental research but also for technological applications, as for exam ple the development of new analytical techniques based on such a molecular beam depletion. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.