Diffraction of diatomic molecular beams: a model with applications to Talbot-Lau interferometry

Abstract

In this article we formulate and solve the problem of molecular beam diffraction when each molecule consists of two interacting bodies. Then, using our results, we present the diffraction patterns for various molecular sizes employing the harmonic oscillator as interaction model between the two atoms. Lastly, we analyze the corrections produced by the internal structure of the molecule in applications that include beam focusing and Talbot carpets.