Atomic mirror (physics)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In physics, the atomic mirror is a device which reflects neutral atoms in the similar way as the conventional mirror reflects the visible light. The atomic mirror can be made of electric fields or magnetic fields, electromagnetic waves [[1]] or just solid state surface. (See also quantum reflection.) Up to year 2006, the atomic mirrors are not robust; the efficient specular reflection takes place only in the case of slow atoms (with velocity of order of several centimeters per second) or at the grazing incidence.

At the grazing incidence, the reflectivity of atomic mirror can be enhanced with special profiling of the surface: the set of narrow ridges reduces the van der Waals attraction of atoms to the surfaces and enhances the reflection [[2]] [[3]].(see also ridged mirror).

Atomic mirrors can be used for the atomic interferometry. Also, the application for the atomic holography was demonstrated [[4]], and the use for the atomic imaging systems (atomic nanoscope) is suggested [[5]].