Generating Ultracold Atomic Persistent Currents with Structured Light

The ability to reliably direct ultracold atomic media opens applications to atomtronics, where atoms may be guided in a manner equivalent to an electric current [1]. Generally, such atomic control is achieved through static magnetic or optical trapping fields to guide the atomic flow. Here, we present an alternative approach: the use of structured light to create continuous atomic currents that are controllable by the operator.