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Guiding neutral atoms around curves with lithographically patterned current-carrying wires

Dirk Mueller, Dana Z. Anderson, Randal J. Grow, Peter D. D. Schwindt, Eric A. Cornell

physics.atom-pharXiv:physics/9908031

Abstract

Laser-cooled neutral atoms from a low-velocity atomic source are guided via a magnetic field generated between two parallel wires on a glass substrate. The atoms bend around three curves, each with a 15-cm radius of curvature, while traveling along a 10-cm-long track. A maximum flux of 2*106 atoms/sec is achieved with a current density of 3*104 A/cm2 in the 100x100-micrometer-cross-section wires. The kinetic energy of the guided atoms in one transverse dimension is measured to be 42 microKelvin.

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