Matter-wave metrology as a complementary tool for mass spectrometry

Abstract

(Chemical Equation Presented) Quantum interferometry can serve as a useful complement to mass spectrometry. The interference visibility (see picture) reveals important information on molecular properties, such as mass and polarizability. The method is applicable to a wide range of molecules, and is particularly valuable for characterizing neutral molecular beams. In particular, fragmentation in the source can be distinguished from molecular dissociation in the detector. © 2008 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.