Atom optics. Continuous progress on atom lasers.

Abstract

Since the first experiments on Bose-Einstein condensates, researchers have tried to use them to make atom lasers. But although pulsed lasers have been demonstrated, continuous atom laser operation has been elusive. In his Perspective, [Pfau][1] highlights the report by [ Chikkatur et al .][2], who have overcome the problem with a conceptually simple but technically challenging apparatus. The challenge now is to develop high power atom lasers. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/296/5576/2155 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/296/5576/2193