Continuous loading of a magnetic atom trap

Summary form only given. We present first step results on the way to quantum degenerate gases with chromium atoms. The large magnetic moment (6 /spl mu//sub B/) and the isotopic composition (3 stable bosonic and one stable fermionic isotope with 9.5% n.a.) are suitable for studies of the quantum statistical effects in both Bose and Fermi gases in steep magnetic traps. Furthermore, together with atom lithography, chromium has a technological potential in nanostructure fabrication.