  We propose to use a cloud of laser cooled atoms in a quasi two dimensional
trap to investigate a non equilibrium collapse phase transition in presence of
gravitational-like interaction. Using theoretical arguments and numerical
simulations, we show that, like in two dimensional gravity, a transition to a
collapsed state occurs below a critical temperature. In addition and as a
signature of the non equilibrium nature of the system, persistent particles
currents, dramatically increasing close to the phase transition, are observed.
