  We describe an array of microscopic atom traps formed by a pattern of
magnetisation on a piece of videotape. We describe the way in which cold atoms
are loaded into one of these micro-traps and how the trapped atom cloud is used
to explore the properties of the trap. Evaporative cooling in the micro-trap
down to a temperature of 1 microkelvin allows us to probe the smoothness of the
trapping potential and reveals some inhomogeneity produced by the magnetic
film. We discuss future prospects for atom chips based on microscopic
permanent-magnet structures.

Atomic Physics