Abstract
It is shown that an optical arrangement in which two identical counterpropagating Laguerre-Gaussian doughnut beams LG(l,0) and LG(-l,0) with orthogonal linear polarizations (e) over cap (x) and (e) over cap (y) can lead to azimuthal polarization gradients and an as yet undiscovered azimuthal Sisyphus effect. It is demonstrated that this effect can be utilized in the creation and control of a persistent current of superfluid atoms circulating in a toroidal trap. Such a physical system has recently been highlighted as the basis for an atomic superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) and ultimately for the realization of atom circuits.