Magnetic atom optics: mirrors, guides, traps, and chips for atoms

For the last decade it has been possible to cool atoms to microkelvin tempe ratures (similar to 1 cm s(-1)) using a variety of optical techniques. Ligh t beams provide the very strong frictional forces required to slow atoms fr om room temperature (similar to 500 m s(-1)). However, once the atoms are c old, the relatively weak conservative forces of static electric and magneti c fields play an important role. In our group we have been studying the int eraction of cold rubidium atoms with periodically magnetized data storage m edia. Here we review the underlying principles of the forces acting on atom s above a suitably magnetized substrate or near current-carrying wires. We also summarize the status of experiments. These structures can be used as s mooth or corrugated reflectors for controlling the trajectories of cold ato ms. Alternatively, they may be used to confine atoms to a plane, a line, or a dot and in some cases to reach the quantum limit of confinement. Atoms l evitated above a magnetized surface can be guided electrostatically by wire s deposited on the surface. The how and interaction of atoms in such a stru cture may form the basis of a new technology, 'integrated atom optics' whic h might ultimately be capable of realizing a quantum computer.