PHYS 499O – Introduction to Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics

Description

This course is an introduction to Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics, with a topical emphasis on modern developments on the field, such as precision spectroscopy, trapping and cooling of atoms, ultra-cold gases, and frequency metrology.

Course Objectives and expected outcomes:
The purpose of this course is to expose students to aspects of modern research in Atomic >Molecular and Optical Physics, it is not to be a complete survey of either field, but will instead cover selected topics and methods. The center concept will be coherence and its counterpart, decoherence. How atomic, molecular and optical coherence has enabled atomic clocks, gravitational experiments (LIGO), and quantum information. The format will be lecture-based, with some homework and practice in reading, evaluating and writing scientific papers, and emphasis on design of precision measurements and null tests. You will have to give a short presentation at the end. It is very important that you attend class and participate actively.

Topics:
There will be a historical introduction to each topic and then a presentation of recent advances on the topic:
Photoelectric Effect<
Atom Light Interactions
Optical Pumping
Atomic Clocks
Atom cooling
Bose Einstein Condensation
Precision Optical Interferometry
Quantum Information

Course descriptions may be subject to occasional minor modifications at the discretion of the instructor.

Request Syllabus