Reports on Subfields of Physics: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics

Atomic, molecular and optical physics encompasses a broad range of theoretical and experimental research on matter at the atomic and molecular level and on light. In the United States it is pursued by over 300 small groups in university, national and industrial laboratories. Advances in this branch of physics not only add to our understanding of the basic laws of physics but lead to new instruments and techniques vital to other areas of science, to industry and to national programs. In their report the Panel on Atomic, Molecular and Optical physics has proposed a program of research initiatives intended to support scientific innovation and to provide an environment for rapid scientific advance. But the panel is quick to point out that in attempting to predict the most promising avenues for scientific advancement one is likely to miss whole new boulevards. The panel admits that had it met ten years ago it would have failed to mention or would have seriously underestimated many important developments: laser cooling of atoms and ions, low‐energy highly charged ions, transient molecular states, Rydberg atoms, molecular clusters, four‐wave mixing, phase conjugation, ultrasensitive detection. “Nevertheless,” writes the panel, “we believe that the program of research initiatives represents a realistic basis for scientific advance in the near future.” The research initiatives include: