Bose-Einstein condensates on magnetic film microstructures

We report on recent experiments with BECs and ultracold atoms in magnetic microtraps created by magnetic film microstructures on an atom chip. We describe the use of RF spectroscopy plus absorption imaging of ultracold atoms as a sensitive high resolution technique to map the magnetic field topology of the magnetic film. We find that the distribution of condensate atoms between the wells of an asymmetric double-well potential on the magnetic film can provide a highly sensitive technique for determining potential gradients, such as gravitational gradients, using an atom chip. Finally, we report on the use of periodic magnetic film microstructures to generate a magnetic lattice for manipulating BECs and ultracold atoms.