Topological phases and circulating states of Bose-Einstein condensates

We show that the quantum topological effect predicted by Aharonov and Cashe r (AC effect) [Phys. Rev. Lett. 53, 319 (1984)] may be used to create circu lating states of magnetically trapped atomic Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC s). A simple experimental setup is suggested based on a multiply connected geometry such as a toroidal trap or a magnetic trap pinched by a blue-detun ed laser. We give numerical estimates of such effects within the current at omic BEC experiments, and point out some interesting properties of the asso ciated quantized circulating states. [S1050-2947(99)01501-2].