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arXiv · cond-mat/0306188

Adaptive reflection and focusing of Bose-Einstein condensates

A. S. Arnold·C. MacCormick·M. G. Boshier
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Abstract

We report adjustable magnetic `bouncing' and focusing of a dilute $^{87}$Rb Bose gas. Both the condensate production and manipulation are realised using a particularly straight-forward apparatus. The bouncing region is comprised of approximately concentric ellipsoidal magnetic equipotentials with a centre that can be adjusted vertically. We extend, and discuss the limitations of, simple Thomas-Fermi and Monte-Carlo theoretical models for the bouncing, which at present find close agreement with the condensate's evolution. Very strong focusing has been inferred and the observation of atomic matter-wave diffraction should be possible. Prospects look bright for applications in matter-wave atom-optics, due to the very smooth nature of the mirror.

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A. S. Arnold, C. MacCormick, M. G. Boshier. 2003-06-06. Adaptive reflection and focusing of Bose-Einstein condensates. https://doi.org/10.1088/0953-4075%2F37%2F2%2F015

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