atom trap
–noun Physics. | a device in which atoms or particles are slowed by the use of lasers and then confined to a small region of space. |
laser trap
n. A device made of magnetic coils and tuned lasers in which atoms or particles are slowed and then confined to a small region of space. A laser trap is used to form a Bose-Einstein condensate. Also called atom trap. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Science Dictionary
laser trap
A device that uses magnetic coils and lasers with tunable frequencies to suspend atoms or particles in a small region of space and to slow them down, reducing their temperature. Laser traps have been used to form Bose-Einstein condensates.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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