This lecture will give an introduction into the basic physics of ultra-cold atoms and matter waves.

After the course the student should be able to:

i) Analyse and discuss recent scientific work in the field of cold atoms and matter wave optics.

ii) Perform basic calculations on how atoms move in light fields.

iii) Describe and analyze cooling mechanisms available in atomic physics.

iv) Quantify the differences between optics with light and matter waves and describe the particularities with matter wave optics.

After each 2 day lecture session we offer a one afternoon “seminar session” where we discuss specific topics.   Short talks by course participants + discussion

Topics include: Atom-Light interaction, optical Bloch equations, quantum Monte Carlo methods, coupled 2-level systems and adiabatic dressed states, simple cavity QED, laser cooling and trapping, magnetic trapping, ion traps, slow light, precision spectroscopy and atomic clocks, ultra cold collisions, BEC

detailed information at: www.atomchip.org -> Teaching

A student will have to present a review of a recent scientific publication.

• Individual topics defined.
• 3 days of preparation. All tools allowed except other people's help.
• Write a report (2-3 pages).
• Short discussion with one of the lecturers when handing in the review to determine the grade.

“Quantum Theory of Light”, R Loudon

“Laser Cooling and Trapping”, H. Metcalf and P. Van der Straten

“Physics of Atoms and Molecules”, B. Bransden and C. Joachain

“Experimentalphysik III”, W. Demtröder

“Quantum Optics”, M. Scully and M. Zubairy

Articles and transparencies will be posted on www.atomchip.org