Superconducting atom chips

Abstract

We investigate superconducting chip structures for trapping and manipulating atoms. These structures are based on the average magnetic field of vortices induced in a type-II superconducting thin film. This magnetic field is the critical ingredient of the demonstrated vortex-based atom trap, which operate without transport current. We employ the hysteretic behavior of a superconducting thin film in the remanent state to generate different traps and flexible magnetic potentials for ultra-cold atoms. The experimental realization can be described by the Bean's critical-state method to model the vortex field through mesoscopic super currents induced in the thin strip. Various vortex patterns can be obtained by programming different loading-field and transport current sequences. Furthermore we will discuss the expected enhanced lifetime of atoms trapped close to a superconducting surface in comparison with a metallic surface. © 2011 IEEE.