Coherent manipulation and guiding of Bose-Einstein condensates by optical dipole potentials

The coherent manipulation of Bose-Einstein condensates by far blue detuned optical dipole potentials is discussed in two regimes. The local manipulati on of the phase of the condensate wavefunction by temporally applied dipole potentials represents a powerful tool for the design of matter waves. We u se this method in particular for the creation of dark solitons in Bose-Eins tein condensates and study their dynamics. Spatially inhomogeneous dipole p otentials like far blue detuned doughnut laser beams can be used for the cr eation of Bose-Einstein condensates within a waveguide structure. (C) 2001 Academie des sciences/Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.