Atoms and Radiation
Inaugural Lecture delivered on Thursday 18 April 2013
Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Physics, Optics, Biological Sciences, Molecular Physics
| Author: | Jean Dalibard | ISBN: | 9782722604070 |
| Publisher: | Collège de France | Publication: | February 9, 2015 |
| Imprint: | Collège de France | Language: | English |
| Author: | Jean Dalibard |
| ISBN: | 9782722604070 |
| Publisher: | Collège de France |
| Publication: | February 9, 2015 |
| Imprint: | Collège de France |
| Language: | English |
Light and matter are very closely linked in our modelling of the physical world. From the formulation of quantum theory to the invention of laser, the interaction between atoms and radiation has played a crucial role in the development of today’s science and technology. By controlling this interaction, the lowest temperatures ever recorded are now reached. Cooling atomic gases with laser light produces “quantum matter” with radically different properties from those of ordinary fluids. These cold atoms are the cornerstone of a new metrology of time and space, with applications in a wide variety of fields, including navigation, telecommunication and geophysics.
Light and matter are very closely linked in our modelling of the physical world. From the formulation of quantum theory to the invention of laser, the interaction between atoms and radiation has played a crucial role in the development of today’s science and technology. By controlling this interaction, the lowest temperatures ever recorded are now reached. Cooling atomic gases with laser light produces “quantum matter” with radically different properties from those of ordinary fluids. These cold atoms are the cornerstone of a new metrology of time and space, with applications in a wide variety of fields, including navigation, telecommunication and geophysics.
