Abstract:
We report the realization of a new type of magnetostatic mirror for slowly moving atoms which comprises a planar array of parallel wires alternately carrying electric current in opposite directions. One of the features of this atomic mirror is that the magnetic field may be readily varied, switched or modulated by altering the current in the wires. Reflection signals close to 100% at a pulsed current of 3 A are demonstrated for a beam of free-falling laser-cooled cesium atoms at normal incidence. The current dependence of the reflection signals exhibits structure which is associated with the sequential onset of reflection of cesium 62 S 1/2 , F=4 atoms in the m=+4, +3, +2 and +1 magnetic states. Measurements of the spatial distribution of the reflected atoms indicate the reflection is predominantly specular at currents of 3 A.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 31 August 1998 / Accepted: 6 October 1998
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lau, D., Sidorov, A., Opat, G. et al. Reflection of cold atoms from an array of current-carrying wires. Eur. Phys. J. D 5, 193–199 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s100530050244
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s100530050244