Scattering of a particle with internal structure from a single slit

Abstract

Abstract Classically, rigid objects with elongated shapes can fit through apertures only when properly aligned. Quantum-mechanical particles which have internal structure (e.g. a diatomic molecule) also are affected during attempts to pass through small apertures, but there are interesting differences with classical structured particles. We illustrate here some of these differences for ultra-slow particles. Notably, we predict resonances that correspond to prolonged delays of the rotor within the aperture—a trapping phenomenon not found classically.