Cold atoms in videotape micro-traps

Journal article

We describe an array of microscopic atom traps formed by a pattern of magnetisation on a piece of videotape. We describe the way in which cold atoms are loaded into one of these micro-traps and how the trapped atom cloud is used to explore the properties of the trap. Evaporative cooling in the micro-trap down to a temperature of 1μK allows us to probe the smoothness of the trapping potential and reveals some inhomogeneity produced by the magnetic film. We discuss future prospects for atom chips based on microscopic permanent-magnet structures. © EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica, Springer-Verlag 2005.

Authors: Sinclair, C; Retter, J; Curtis, E; Hall, B; Garcia, I

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL D
• Volume: 35
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 105-110
• Publication date: 2005-08-01
• DOI: 10.1140/epjd/e2005-00088-6
• EISSN: 1434-6079
• ISSN: 1434-6060
• Language: English