Abstract

Momentum exchange between atoms and photons allow laser physicists to control atomic motion. It is possible to decelerate and/or focus an atomic beam, to stop it. The average velocity of the almost stopped atoms can be decreased to very small values close to or even below the one photon recoil velocity V_R = ħk_L/M, corresponding to temperatures in the microkelvin range or below. Laser manipulation of atoms is also essential for the recently developing field of atom optics.

© 1994 IEEE