Guiding Neutral Atoms Around Curves with Lithographically Patterned Current-Carrying Wires

Laser-cooled neutral atoms from a low-velocity atomic source are guided via a magnetic field generated between two parallel wires on a glass substrate. The atoms bend around three curves, each with a 15-cm radius of curvature, while traveling along a 10-cm-long track. A maximum flux of $2\times {10}^6\mathrm{atoms}/\sec$ is achieved with a current density of $3\times {10}^4\mathrm{A}/{\mathrm{cm}}^2$ in the $100\times 100$- $\mu \mathrm{m}$-cross-section wires. The kinetic energy of the guided atoms in one transverse dimension is measured to be $42\mu \mathrm{K}$.