Guiding Neutral Atoms Around Curves with Lithographically Patterned Current-Carrying Wires

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 $2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{6}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}\mathrm{atoms}/\mathrm{sec}$ is achieved with a current density of $3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{4}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}\mathrm{A}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ in the $100\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}100$- $\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$-cross-section wires. The kinetic energy of the guided atoms in one transverse dimension is measured to be $42\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{K}$.