Controllable double waveguide for atoms

• Published in: Optics communications Vol. 178; no. 1; pp. 93 - 101
• Main Authors: Zobay, O., Garraway, B.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.05.2000; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Atom and neutron interferometry; Atom and neutron optics; Atom interferometry; Atom optics; Atom traps and waveguides; Atomic and molecular physics; Atomic properties and interactions with photons; Classical and quantum physics: mechanics and fields; Exact sciences and technology; Matter waves; Optical cooling of atoms; trapping; Photon interactions with atoms; Physics; Atom interferometry; 32.60.+i; Atom optics; Atom traps and waveguides; 39.20.+q; 03.75.Be; 32.80.Pj; Theoretical study; Waveguides; Atom trapping; Magnetic traps
• ISSN: 0030-4018; 1873-0310
• DOI: 10.1016/S0030-4018(00)00609-X

A method is proposed to create linear atom guides in the field of a periodically magnetized surface. By applying an additional homogeneous magnetic field the characteristics of the waveguides can be drastically modified; in particular, pairs of waveguides can be created that may be split or combined depending on the external field. Applications of this device to the construction of Y-switches and the implementation of an atom interferometer are discussed.