Abstract: Ultra-cold (nano-Kelvin) neutral atoms can be trapped, manipulated, and measured, using integrated current carrying micro-structures on a nearby surface (Atom Chips). This can be utilized for the realization of ultra-sensitive sensors and quantum computation devices based on the quantum mechanical properties of the trapped atoms. However, harmful processes arise from the interactions between the atoms and the nearby surface. According to the present invention these harmful processes can be highly suppressed by using electrically anisotropic materials. It is shown that time-independent trapping potential corrugation leading to fragmentation of the trapped atom cloud can be suppressed, and that time dependent noise processes arising from the coupling of atoms to the nearby surface, and leading to loss of atoms from the trap, heating and loss of coherence can be significantly reduced.