Quantum superposition of massive molecules and molecular clusters in the time-domain

Recent experimental advances have allowed us to devise new molecular sources, interferometer arrangements and detection methods that open the path to testing and exploiting the quantum superposition principle, both using a range of different massive particles and with high sensitivity. Our most recent interferometer uses pulsed optical gratings [1]. This allows us to conduct experiments in the time-domain which eliminates most of all causes of velocity-dependent dephasing [2]. The gratings are realized by standing light waves of three nanosecond laser beams at $\lambda = $ 157 nm. This wavelength is short enough to achieve efficient single-photon ionization of a broad range of atoms, molecules and nanoparticles. In combination with an external electric field these pulses act dominantly as absorptive gratings in the time-domain. On the applied side the $O$ptical \textit{TI}me-domain \textit{MA}tter (OTIMA) interferometer can be used as a nanoruler for high-precision measurements of external forces or internal particle properties [3], too.\\[4pt] [1] Haslinger P., et al., \textit{Nature Physics}, accepted (2013), Reiger E., Opt. Comm. 264 326-32 (2006)\\[0pt] [2] Nimmrichter S., et al., \textit{Phys. Rev. A} 78, 063607 (2008)\\[0pt] [3] Berninger M., et al., \textit{Phys. Rev. A}, \textbf{76}, 013607 (2007)