A versatile ring trap for quantum gases

TL;DR

This paper introduces a versatile, tunable ring trap for quantum gases, enabling detailed studies of superfluid dynamics by confining Bose-Einstein condensates in adjustable annular geometries using combined magnetic, optical, and radio-frequency fields.

Contribution

The work presents a novel, flexible ring trap design with adjustable parameters and demonstrates methods to induce and study persistent superfluid flows.

Findings

Successful confinement of Bose-Einstein condensates in rings with radii from 20 to 150 micrometers.

Demonstration of persistent superfluid flows using laser stirring and quadrupole deformation.

The setup is suitable for advanced superfluid dynamics research.

Abstract

We report on the confinement of a Bose-Einstein condensate in an annular trap with widely tunable parameters. The trap relies on a combination of magnetic, optical and radio-frequency fields. The loading procedure is discussed. We present annular traps with radii adjusted between 20 and 150 micrometers. We demonstrate the preparation of persistent flows both with a rotating laser stirrer and with a global quadrupole deformation of the ring.Our setup is well adapted for the study of superfluid dynamics.