Dynamic properties of polar molecules confined in electrostatic trap

We theoretically investigate the dynamics of linear polar molecules in static quadrupole electric fields. Numerical calculation shows that molecules rotating in a specific direction experience a restoring force, being three-dimensionally trapped in the center of the field distribution. We formulate the probability of Majorana transition and the trapping lifetime with a simple model of a rotating dipole. Potential depth of the electrostatic trap is quantum-mechanically estimated to be in the order of 100mK.