Spin Hall Effect in Quantum Gas (IMAGE)

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Spin Hall Effect in Quantum Gas

Caption

This artist's conception shows atoms in a Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) being pushed by laser light. When the atoms, which all have the same magnetic spin orientation (represented by their blue and yellow "poles"), are pushed toward the viewer, they drift to the right because of their spin -- a result of the spin Hall effect, which has been observed in a BEC for the first time.

Credit

Edwards/JQI

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Adhere to news embargo of 1:00 p.m. Eastern time, June 5, 2013.

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