Understanding The Atom Lasers

Experimental spectroscopic techniques, especially those involving lasers, have wide-ranging applications in the fields of physics, medicine, electronics, and chemistry. Keeping in mind the importance of spectroscopic detection and characterization of atomic and molecular species, this book, now in its Second Edition, is updated. It deals with both the conventional and modern experimental techniques related to atoms, spectroscopy and lasers. It discusses the recent innovations, types and operating principles of lasers and laser systems. A section on Fiber Laser has been added in the new edition of the book. Recent developments in planetary detection of atoms and molecules by Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) has prompted the inclusion of a section on LIBS on planet Mars along with its applications. Primarily intended as a text for undergraduate and postgraduate students of Physics in various Indian universities, this uptodate book would be immensely useful also for both undergraduate and postgraduate students in Chemistry, Astrophysics, Metallurgy and Material Science, and Geology and Mining. Key Features Coverage is quite extensive to cater to students of most Indian universities—with detailed discussions on atoms, spectroscopy and lasers. Gives special emphasis on modern aspects of spectroscopy such as laser cooling of atoms. Contains more than 140 diagrams to illustrate the concepts better.

A unified account of the rapidly developing field of high-intensity laser-atom interactions, suitable for both graduate students and researchers.

Proceedings of the International School of Quantum Electronics 27th course on Bose Einstein Condensates and Atom Lasers, October 19-24, 1999, Erice, Italy. Since the experimental demonstration of Bose Einstein Condensation in dilute atomic gases there has been an explosion of interest in the properties of this novel macroscopic quantum system. The book covers the methods used to produce these new samples of coherent atoms, their manipulation and the study of their properties. Emphasis is given to the anticipated development of new types of sources, which more and more resemble traditional types of lasers. Because of recent new applications and increasing demand for lasers, sensors and associated instrumentation, the chapters also cover current developments in the basic techniques, materials and applications in the field of the generation of coherent atoms.

A thorough introduction to the interaction of atoms with optical and magnetic fields; for graduate students and researchers.

The recent fascinating progress on laser cooling is the result of the close connection between theoretical work and the rapid technological advances in laser sources, particularly in the field of powerful semiconductor and solid-state lasers operating over a wide range of optical and near-infrared frequencies. The very close international and personal collaboration amongst the researchers resulting in a direct link between experimental data and theoretical calculations which characterize work in this field, have been important factors in the rapid comprehension of the subtle and beautiful phenomena involved in laser manipulation. This Enrico Fermi school is the first formal school fully devoted to this topic. The theoretical part of the book includes contributions on the framework for the study of the photon momentum exchanges in the absence of relaxation, recent mechanisms of laser cooling, an analysis of the cooling forces, analysis of atomic and molecular beams, cooling through coherent population trapping and the relation between laser cooling and quantum nondemolition measurements. The experimental section deals with topics such as, an analysis of atomic and molecular beams, methods and applications of laser cooling, advances in laser cooling and the new exciting field of atomic interferometry. All students and researchers working in this field will welcome this excellent review of research and progress in laser cooling, so strongly linked to the fundamental understanding of physics.

The expanded fourth edition of the book that offers an essential introduction to laser technology and the newest developments in the field The revised and updated fourth edition of Understanding Lasers offers an essential guide and introduction that explores how lasers work, what they do, and how they are applied in the real world. The author—a Fellow of The Optical Society—reviews the key concepts of physics and optics that are essential for understanding lasers and explains how lasers operate. The book also contains information on the optical accessories used with lasers. Written in non-technical terms, the book gives an overview of the wide-variety laser types and configurations. Understanding Lasers covers fiber, solid-state, excimer, helium-neon, carbon dioxide, free-electron lasers, and more. In addition, the book also explains concepts such as the difference between laser oscillation and amplification, the importance of laser gain, and tunable lasers. The updated fourth edition highlights the most recent research and development in the field. This important resource: Includes a new chapter on fiber lasers and amplifiers Reviews new topics on physics of optical fibers and fiber lasers, disk lasers, and Ytterbium lasers Contains new sections on Laser Geometry and Implications, Diode Laser Structures, Optimal Parametric Sources, and 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Puts the focus on research and emerging developments in areas such as spectroscopy, slow light, laser cooling, and extremely precise measurements Contains appendices, glossary, and index that help make this book a useful reference Written for engineering and physics students, engineers, scientists, and technicians, the fourth edition of Understanding Lasers contains the basic concepts of lasers and the most recent advances in the technology.