Open AccessA ring trap for ultracold atoms in an RF-dressed state
Author(s) -
W H Heathcote,
E. Nugent,
Benjamin Thomas Sheard,
C. J. Foot
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
new journal of physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.584
H-Index - 190
ISSN - 1367-2630
DOI - 10.1088/1367-2630/10/4/043012
Subject(s) - physics , trap (plumbing) , ultracold atom , ring (chemistry) , atomic physics , state (computer science) , quantum mechanics , quantum , chemistry , organic chemistry , meteorology , computer science , algorithm
We combine an RF-dressed magnetic trap with an optical potential to produce a toroidal trapping potential for ultracold 87Rb atoms. We load atoms into this ring trap from a conventional magnetic trap and compare the measured oscillation frequencies with theoretical predictions. This method of making a toroidal trap gives a high degree of flexibility such as a tuneable radius and variable transverse oscillation frequency. The ring trap is ideal for the creation of a multiply connected Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) and the study of persistent flow and we propose a scheme for introducing a flow of the atoms around the ring. © IOP Publishing Ltd and Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft