In contrast to light, matter-wave optics of quantum gases deals with interactions even in free space and for ensembles comprising millions of atoms. We exploit these interactions in a quantum degenerate gas as an adjustable lens for coherent atom optics. By combining an interaction-driven quadrupole-mode excitation of a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) with a magnetic lens, we form a time-domain matter-wave lens system. The focus is tuned by the strength of the lensing potential and the oscillatory phase of the quadrupole mode. By placing the focus at infinity, we lower the total internal kinetic energy of a BEC comprising 101(37) thousand atoms in three dimensions to 3/2 k_{B}·38_{-7}^{+6}  pK. Our method paves the way for free-fall experiments lasting ten or more seconds as envisioned for tests of fundamental physics and high-precision BEC interferometry, as well as opens up a new kinetic energy regime.

The adsorption of diethyl ether (Et2O) on Si(001) was studied by means of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and photoelectron spectroscopy. Et2O reacts on Si(001) via a datively bonded intermediate, which was isolated at surface temperatures below 100 K. At higher surface temperature, Et2O converts dissociatively into the final state by cleaving one O–C bond; the resulting −O–C2H5 and −C2H5 fragments are found to attach on two Si dimers of neighboring dimer rows. Tip-induced hopping of the −C2H5 fragment on one dimer was observed at positive sample bias. The results are discussed in the context of recent experiments on the reaction of tetrahydrofuran (THF) on Si(001) (Mette et al. ChemPhysChem 2014, 15, 3725) and allow a more general description of the reaction of ethers on Si(001).