Multimode Cold Atom Dynamics in Magnetic Waveguides.

Wilbert Rooijakkers
Harvard University
Physics Dept, Lyman Labs
Cambridge MA 02138

Abstract:

Cold atoms and molecules can be stored, transported and manipulated coherently
in electric and magnetic fields. We describe recent experiments at Harvard with
ultracold 87Rb atoms, magnetically trapped into the F=2, mF=1,2 ground states.
Using high resolution absorption imaging we have measured the time evolution of
matter waves in a straight guide.  We have loaded a storage ring for cold atoms
(2 cm diameter) and show how this may lead to ultrasensitive atom
interferometers and gyroscopes.