Atoms In Strong Light Fields

Atoms in Strong Light Fields

Atoms in Strong Light Fields

The monograph is devoted to phenomena of nonlinear optics appearing on a macro scopic level in the interaction of intense light with an isolated atom. It is a first attempt to summarize the elementary phenomena of nonlinear optics and present the various methods used in experiment and theory. In essence, this book can be considered an expanded version of the new aspect of quantum mechanics and atomic physics that in time will be incorporated into te- books on this subject. By the middle of this century the interaction of light with atoms had become one of the most investigated branches of physics. However, in the mid-sixties the development of high-power lasers changed this situation completely. It is a well-known fact that lasers are essentially new sources of light with high intensity, sharp directivity, and practically ideal monochromaticity. Entirely new phenomena came up in the studies of the interaction of light with atoms. In an intense light field, multiphoton transitions become important. The field disturbs the atomic levels, shifting, broadening, and mixing them. In an extremely strong field the atom ceases to be a bound system. These and similar phenomena on the atomic (microscopic) level determine the variations in the averaged, macroscopic properties of the medium, variations that cause nonlinear-optics phenomena, which radically change the fundamental classical laws of the interaction of light with matter.

Mechanical Action Of Light On Atoms

Control of atomic motion with resonant laser light is the most interesting field of research which is rapidly expanding. The book discusses the latest theoretical and experimental achievements in the study of these phenomena. The fundamental questions of the theory of resonant light pressure are given in the book. They are: 1. Optical Stern-Gerlach Effect and Quantization of Atomic Motion in a Light Field; 2. Theory of Light Pressure Force and Atomic Kinetics in a Strong Field; 3. Diffraction and Interference of Atoms; 4. Velocity Bunching Effect, Cooling and Localization of Atoms in Light Field, and 5. Polarization Phenomena and Recoil Effect. The most important experiments are also discussed in this book. While the book may be used to get a primary acquaintance with the subject, specialists will also find the latest theoretical and experimental results and achievements in this field discussed here.