Atomic mirror (physics)

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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 by bending Si-wafers into a proper shape by applying electromagnetic fields. Here the proper shape depends on what the application will be. In case of an atomic nanoscope the ideal shape is an ellipsoid with the beam source in one focal point of the ellipsoid and the investigated sample in the other focal point[2].(See also quantum reflection.)

Ridged miror. The wave with wavevector $~\vec K~$ is scattered at ridges sepratated by distance $~L~$ .

At grazing incidence $(\theta\approx0)$ , the reflectivity of a solid-state 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 [[3]] [[4]], (see also ridged mirror). Such a mirror can be interptered in terms of the Zeno effect [[5]]. Each ridge blocks the part of the wavefront, causing the Fresnel diffraction [[6]], the particle is "absorbed" or "measured". The frequent measuring suppresses the transition of the particle to the half-space with absorbers, causing the specular reflection. At large separation $~L~$ between thin ridges, the reflectivity of such ridged mirror is determined by dimension-less momentum $~p=\sqrt{KL~}~\theta~$ , and does not depend on the origin of the wave; therefore, it is sutable for reflection of atoms.

Atomic mirrors can be used for the atomic interferometry. Also, the application for the atomic holography was demonstrated [[7]], and the use for the atomic imaging systems (atomic nanoscope) is suggested [[8]].