Deceleration of continuous molecular beams

A method for decelerating a continuous beam of neutral polar molecules is theoretically demonstrated. This method utilizes non-uniform, static electric fields and regions of adiabatic population transfer to generate a mechanical force that opposes the molecular beam's velocity. By coupling this method with irreversible trap-loading, molecular densities $\geq$ 10$^{11}$~cm$^{-3}$ are possible. When used in combination with forced evaporative cooling, the proposed method may represent a viable route to quantum degeneracy for a wide-class of molecular species.