Quantum Wires and Quantum Dots for Neutral Atoms

By placing changeable nanofabricated structures (wires, dots, etc.) on an atom mirror one can design guiding and trapping potentials for atoms. These potentials are similar to the electrostatic potentials which trap and guide electrons in semiconductor quantum devices like quantum wires and quantum dots. This technique will allow the fabrication of nanoscale atom optical devices. PACS. 03.75.Be Atom and Neutron Optics – 42.81.-i Fiber Optics – 42.82.-m Integrated optics