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

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.

In response to the explosion of theories and experiments since the appearance of the first edition, the author has revised and expanded his basic text. New sections include up-to-date discussions of multiphoton ionization, and electron-atom and atom-atom scattering in laser fields, reaffirming the work's position as the standard introduction to the field.

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.