https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/e2005-00088-6
Cold atoms in videotape micro-traps
Centre for Cold Matter, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College, London SW7 2BW, UK
Corresponding author: a a.curtis@imperial.ac.uk
Received:
14
February
2005
Published online:
14
June
2005
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 
K 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.
PACS: 39.25.+k – Atom manipulation (scanning probe microscopy, laser cooling, etc.) / 03.75.Be – Atom and neutron optics / 75.50.Ss – Magnetic recording materials
© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica, Springer-Verlag, 2005
