Experimental determination of Mean free path.

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Direct experiments to determine the mean free path of gas molecules, rather than their distribution, are challenging but possible. While many methods exist for measuring the average mean free path in large collections, a more specific approach is suggested using low partial pressures of atoms that can be optically excited. By observing collisional effects during laser cooling of trapped atoms, researchers could infer information about the mean free path. Such experiments have parallels in the liquid phase, indicating potential for similar methodologies in gases. Overall, innovative experimental designs could yield insights into the mean free path of individual gas molecules.
hyperickz
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Is there any direct experiment to determine the value of mean free path(not the distribution) of a gas molecule?
 
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hyperickz said:
Is there any direct experiment to determine the value of mean free path(not the distribution) of a gas molecule?

There are lots of experimental methods to determine the average mean free path of a large collection of molecules, but I gather that this is not what you have in mind.

I suspect that you could devise an experiment using very low partial pressures of atoms that you are able to continually optically excite where you might be able to somehow infer some information about the mean free path. People have done analagous experiments in the liquid phase. People trap atoms with lasers, and you must be abel to see collisional effects, e.g. as you are laser cooling some atoms in a trap.
 

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