Single |JΩMJ〉 state-selection of OH radicals using an electrostatic hexapole field

Abstract

The focusing curve of the single quantum state |JΩM_J〉 = |1/2,1/2,1/2〉 of OH radicals was measured using the combined methods of state selection with an electrostatic hexapole of 1 m length, and detection by laser induced fluorescence for the OH(A ← X) transition at 308 nm. The observed focusing curve is a reliable test for the trajectory simulation since it only consists out of a single quantum state of molecules. The trajectory simulations including the Λ-type doubling effect could reproduce the observed focusing curves. The focusing curves for |JΩ> = |3/2,3/2〉, |5/2,3/2〉, and |7/2,3/2〉 were also measured. The results were compared with the trajectory simulations and discussed with the population of the contributed |M_J| states in the focusing curves.