Atomic matter waves in magnetic micro potentials

Claus Zimmermann

Universität Tübingen, Physikalisches Institut, Auf der Morgenstelle 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany

With micro fabricated current conductors on the surface of a substrate it is possible to trap atoms in magnetic potentials of almost arbitrary geometry. Since also Bose-Einstein condensates can be loaded into such micro traps the vision of an integrated atom optics becomes realistic. Conceivable are matter wave interferometers for ultra sensitive detection of forces and accelerations. Currently, also possibilities are discussed for integrating quantum gates for quantum information processing on such an "atom chip". Since the atoms are held close to the surface of the substrate in a controlled way they also offer novel possibilities for surface probing. Recent experimental progress reveals some of the perspectives and the limits of this young field of research.