New instrument for probing the pure rotational spectroscopy of cold molecules produced via "billiard-like" scattering

Laser cooling of molecules has proved problematic due to their complex internal structure. Several alternative methods have been developed to cool molecules into the same temperature ranges previously attained using laser cooling methods on atoms. One of these methods is the "Billiard-like" scattering method developed by Elioff and coworkers at Sandia National Labs, which is attempted in this work. A crossed molecular beam instrument was constructed, expanding the capabilities of the Duffy lab into crossed molecular beam studies, including the "Billiard-like" scattering method. This instrument included two differentially pumped "arms" to house molecular beam nozzles, gas inlet system, chopper, and a pulse sequence to reduce the systematic error associated with stagnation pressure drift and to adjust nozzle timing based on drifts in chopper speed. To accommodate the use of additional oscilloscopes with the pulse sequence, the main acquisition program was modified and a database was created for cataloging and searching past scans. Based on the scans taken during this work, a preliminary rotational state changing collision cross-section was estimated