This book illustrates the history of Atomic Physics and shows how its most recent advances allow the possibility of performing precise measurements and achieving an accurate control on the atomic state. Written in an introductory style, this book is addressed to advanced undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to more experienced researchers who need to remain up-to-date with the most recent advances. The book focuses on experimental investigations, illustrating milestone experiments and key experimental techniques, and discusses the results and the challenges of contemporary research. Emphasis is put on the investigations of precision physics: from the determination of fundamental constants of Nature to tests of General Relativity and Quantum Electrodynamics; from the realization of ultra-stable atomic clocks to the precise simulation of condensed matter theories with ultracold gases. The book discusses these topics while tracing the evolution of experimental Atomic Physics from traditional laser spectroscopy to the revolution introduced by laser cooling, which allows the manipulation of atoms at a billionth of a degree above absolute zero and reveals new frontiers of precision in atomic spectroscopy.

Resonator Designs for High Brightness Solid-State Lasers; G. Cerullo et al. Defining and Measuring Laser Beam Quality; A.E. Siegman. Model-Locked Solid-State Lasers; A.I. Ferguson, G.P.A. Malcolm. High Power Rod, Slab, and Tube Lasers; U. Wittrock. Solid-State Laser Materials; G. Huber. Quantum Confined Semiconductor Lasers; R. Cingolani. Diode Pumped Solid-State Lasers; R.L. Byer. Generation of Visible Light with Diode Pumped Solid-State Lasers; K.J. Boller, et al. High Power Diode Lasers; C. Hanke. Efficient Narrowband Optical Parametric Oscillators of Beta-Barium-Borate and Lithium-Triborate; A. Fix, et al. Travelling Wave Parametric Generation of Highly Coherent Femtosecond Pulses Tunable from 750 to 3000 nm; G.P. Banfi, et al. Frequency Conversion of PS-Pulses; R. Beigang, A. Nebel. Quasi-Three-Level Lasers; T.Y. Fan. Er, Tm, Ho; P. Minguzzi, et al. 9 additional articles. Index.

This book illustrates the history of Atomic Physics and shows how its most recent advances allow the possibility of performing precise measurements and achieving an accurate control on the atomic state. Written in an introductory style, this book is addressed to advanced undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to more experienced researchers who need to remain up-to-date with the most recent advances. The book focuses on experimental investigations, illustrating milestone experiments and key experimental techniques, and discusses the results and the challenges of contemporary research. Emphasis is put on the investigations of precision physics: from the determination of fundamental constants of Nature to tests of General Relativity and Quantum Electrodynamics; from the realization of ultra-stable atomic clocks to the precise simulation of condensed matter theories with ultracold gases. The book discusses these topics while tracing the evolution of experimental Atomic Physics from traditional laser spectroscopy to the revolution introduced by laser cooling, which allows the manipulation of atoms at a billionth of a degree above absolute zero and reveals new frontiers of precision in atomic spectroscopy.

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.

This volume contains the lectures and seminars presented at the NATO Advanced Study Institute on "Applied Laser Spectroscopy" the fourteenth course of the Europhysics School of Quantum Electronics, held under the supervision of the Quantum Electronics Division of the European Physical Society. The Institute was held at Centro "I Cappuccini", San Miniato, Tuscany, Italy, September 3-15,1989. The Europhysics School of Quantum Electronics was started in 1970 with the aim of providing instruction for young researchers and advanced students already engaged in the area of quantum electronics or wishing to switch to this area from a different background. Presently the school is under the direction of Professors F.T. Arecchi and M Inguscio, University of Florence and Prof. H. Walther University of Munich and has the headquarters at the National Institute of Optics (INO), Firenze, Italy. Each time the directors choose a subject of particular interest, alternating fundamental topics with technological ones, and ask colleagues specifically competent in a given area to take the scientific responsibility for that course.

Atomic hydrogen, the simplest of all stable atoms, has been a challenge to spectroscopists and theoreticians for many years. Here, as in similar systems like positronium, muonium and possibly helium, the accuracy of theoretical predictions is comparable to that of experimental measurements. Hence exciting confrontations are possible. This together with expected large experimental improvements explains the strong interest in the symposium held in Pisa in June-July 1988. The resulting book completely covers the precision spectroscopy of atomic hydrogen and hydrogen-like systems, and also discusses aspects of QED and the influence of strong fields.

This volume contains the lectures and seminars presented at the NATO Ad vanced Study Institute on "Solid State Lasers: New Developments and Appli cations" the fifteenth course of the Europhysics School of Quantum Electronics, held under the supervision of the Quantum Electronics Division of the European Physical Society. The Institute was held at Elba International Physics Center, Marciana Marina, Elba Island, Tuscany, Italy, August 31 -September 11, 1992. The Europhysics School of Quantum Electronics was started in 1970 with the aim of providing instruction for young researchers and advanced students al ready engaged in the area of quantum electronics or wishing to switch to this area from a different background. Presently the school is under the direction of Professors F.T. Arecchi and M. Inguscio, University of Florence, and Prof. H. Walther, University of Munich, and has its headquarters at the National Insti tute of Optics (INO), Florence, Italy. Each time the directors choose a subject of particular interest, alternating fundamental topics with technological ones, and ask colleagues specifically competent in a given area to take the scientific responsibility for that course.