Trapping cold atoms using surface-grown carbon nanotubes

TL;DR

This paper explores the feasibility of trapping cold atoms using magnetic fields generated by surface-grown carbon nanotubes, potentially enabling new atomchip technologies at sub-micron scales.

Contribution

It demonstrates that single-wall carbon nanotubes can create sustainable magnetic traps for cold atoms directly on dielectric surfaces.

Findings

Atoms can be captured with nanotube currents within experimental limits.

Trapped atom clouds have sufficient density and lifetime for detection.

This approach enables atom trapping at sub-micron distances.

Abstract

We present a feasibility study for loading cold atomic clouds into magnetic traps created by single-wall carbon nanotubes grown directly onto dielectric surfaces. We show that atoms may be captured for experimentally sustainable nanotube currents, generating trapped clouds whose densities and lifetimes are sufficient to enable detection by simple imaging methods. This opens the way for a novel type of conductor to be used in atomchips, enabling atom trapping at sub-micron distances, with implications for both fundamental studies and for technological applications.