Dynamic matter-wave pulse shaping

In this article we discuss possibilities for manipulating a matter wave with time-dependent potentials. Assuming a specific setup on an atom chip, we explore how one can focus, accelerate, reflect, and stop an atomic wave packet, with, for example, electric fields from an array of electrodes. We also utilize this method to initiate coherent splitting or an arbitrary wave form. Special emphasis is put on the robustness of the control schemes. We begin with the wave packet of a single atom and extend this to a Bose-Einstein condensate in the Gross-Pitaevskii picture. In analogy to laser pulse shaping with its wide variety of applications, we expect this work to form the base for more complex time-dependent potentials, eventually leading to matter-wave pulse shaping with numerous applications.