Deflection of Neutral Molecules using the Nonresonant Dipole Force

The ac Stark shift produced by nonresonant radiation creates a potential minimum for a ground state molecule at the position where the laser intensity is maximum. The gradient of this potential exerts a force on the molecule. We experimentally observe this force when a beam of CS2 molecules is redirected by sending it through the intensity gradient near the focus of a laser beam. We trace the direction of the molecules in the molecular beam, showing that the molecules that pass near the center of the high intensity laser beam will focus. copyright 1997 The American Physical Society