Ever since its invention, the laser has been an invaluable tool in physics. It is expected that an atom laser – with the light waves replaced by the quantum waves of atoms – could have similarly important applications, for example in constructing ultra-precise clocks. A research team led by UvA researcher Florian Schreck has now made important progress towards the creation of the first continuous atom laser. The team’s results were published in Physical Review Letters earlier this week.