Topological constraints on magnetostatic traps

We theoretically investigate properties of magnetostatic traps for cold atoms that are subject to externally applied uniform fields. We show that Ioffe-Pritchard traps and other stationary points of B are confined to a two-dimensional curved surface, or manifold M, defined by det(partial derivative B-i/partial derivative x(j))=0. We describe how stationary points can be moved over the manifold by applying external uniform fields. The manifold also plays an important role in the behavior of points of zero field. Field zeroes occur in two distinct types, in separate regions of space divided by the manifold. Pairs of zeroes of opposite type can be created or annihilated on the manifold. Finally, we give examples of the manifold for cases of practical interest.