Laser cooling is a relatively new technique that has led to insights into the behavior of atoms as well as confirming with striking detail some of the fundamental notions of quantum mechanics, such as the condensation predicted by S.N. Bose. This elegant technique, whereby atoms, molecules, and even microscopic beads of glass, are trapped in small regions of free space by beams of light and subsequently moved at will using other beams, provides a useful research tool for the studyof individual atoms and clusters of atoms, for investigating the details of chemical reactions, and even for determining the physical properties of individual macromolecules such as synthetic polymers and DNA. Intended for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students who have some basic knowledge of optics and quantum mechanics, this text begins with a review of the relevant results of quantum mechanics, it then turns to the electromagnetic interactions involved in slowing and trapping atoms and ions, in both magnetic and optical traps. The concluding chapters discuss a broad range of applications, from atomic clocks and studies of collision processes to diffraction and interference of atomic beams at optical lattices and Bose-Einstein condensation.

Klappentext

Intended for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduates with some basic knowledge of optics and quantum mechanics, this text begins with a review of the relevant results of quantum mechanics, before turning to the electromagnetic interactions involved in slowing and trapping atoms and ions, in both magnetic and optical traps. The concluding chapters discuss a broad range of applications, from atomic clocks and studies of collision processes, to diffraction and interference of atomic beams at optical lattices and Bose-Einstein condensation.

Zusammenfassung
Laser cooling is a new technique that has led to new insights into the behavior of atoms. This text covers the foundations, the techniques, and applications: from atomic clocks and studies of collision processes to diffraction and interference of atomic beams at optical lattices. It is aimed at advanced undergraduates and beginning graduates.

Inhalt

Introduction and review of quantum mechanics: Review of Quantum Mechanics.- The Density Matrix.- Force on Two-Level Atoms.- Multi-Level Atoms.- General Properties Concerning Laser Cooling. Cooling and Trapping: Deceleration of an Atomic Beam.- Optical Molasses.- Cooling Below the Doppler Limit.- The Dipole Force.- Magentic Trapping of Neutral Atoms.- Optical Traps for Neutral Atoms.- Evaporative Cooling. Applications: Newtonian Atom Optics.- Ultra-Cold Collisions.- deBrooglie-Wave Optics.- Optical Lattices.- Bose -Einstein Condensation.- Dark States.