A synchrotron for neutral molecules

Here we report on a synchrotron for neutral molecules that consists of two hexapole focusers bent into a torus. By switching the voltages applied to the two half-rings, polar molecules can be confined in tight packets for up to a second as they revolve around the ring. In this Letter, the operation and trapping parameters of the molecular synchrotron are discussed. We plan to use a molecular synchrotron in the future as an arena for low-energy collision experiments. (C) 2009 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.