Abstract: As one of the most important optical instruments, molecular (atomic) reflecting mirrors have been broadly applied in experiments for trapping, loading, and guiding of molecules (atoms); however, given that the mirrors can only change the velocity of particles in the longitudinal direction, there is no focusing capability in the lateral direction and particles can subsequently diverge. Using ND₃ as an example, we propose a compact micro electrostatic curved mirror to address this issue; we show via theoretical calculations and Monte-Carlo simulations that the proposed mirror can both direct a beam of molecules and achieve transverse bunching of molecules. This kind of reflecting mirror can be used in an extensive range of optical applications for manipulating or loading molecules, composing molecular cavities, and so forth.

Key words: micro electrostatic curved mirror, cold molecules, molecular cavity