Abstract

Efficient beam steering components for paramagnetic atoms can be manufactured from permanent magnets. In contrast to atom optical components derived from light forces permanent magnetic components do not need any supplies, they have large apertures, and spontaneous emission is absent. Magnetic acceleration is one order of magnitude smaller than typical accelerations by spontaneous light forces, but the maximum momentum transfer can be increased through extended components or by lowering the longitudinal velocity of the atoms.

© 1998 IEEE