Anomalous Longitudinal Magnetic Field near the Surface of Copper Conductors

TL;DR

This study uses ultracold atoms to measure magnetic fields near copper conductors, revealing an unexpected small longitudinal magnetic field that varies periodically, providing new insights into conductor surface phenomena.

Contribution

First measurement of anomalous longitudinal magnetic fields near copper surfaces using ultracold atoms, highlighting periodic variations at room temperature.

Findings

Detected a small longitudinal magnetic field 1000-10000 times weaker than the circular field.

Observed periodic variation of the longitudinal field with a 200-300 μm period.

Provided new experimental data on magnetic field anomalies near conductor surfaces.

Abstract

We have used ultracold atoms to characterize the magnetic field near the surface of copper conductors at room temperature carrying currents between 0.045 A and 2 A. In addition to the usual circular field we find an additional, 1000 - 10000 times smaller longitudinal field. The field changes its strength periodically with a period of 200-300 um.