Vortex Creation in Bose-Einstein Condensates by Laser Beam Vortex Guiding

A technique for vortex creation in trapped Bose-Einstein condensates is suggested: Vortices can be excited at the edge of a condensate and guided to the center by a laser beam moving along a spiral trajectory. Numerical simulations demonstrate the suggested technique. Parameter ranges for the method are given. Computer animations illustrate the dynamics of the guided vortices.