Aim
The aim of the course is to give the student an advanced knowledge in atomic physics and especially on the interaction between light and matter. Several exciting research fields such as attosecond physics, nano-optics, laser cooling and trapping and quantum computers will be described.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to underdescribe the interaction between matter and light by using quantum mechanics

• be able to orient himself/herself in research problems at a relatively high level, just below PhD education

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to perform independently realistic quantum mechanical calculations on existing systems both analytically and numerically.

• be able to formulate and solve some simple physics problems within atomic physics especially concerning the interaction between atoms and radiation.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• have obtained an increased competence for presenting in writing and orally an accomplished project.

• be able to decide which methods can be used for different problems.

• have an increased experience for working in groups towards a common goal.

• be able to search, acquire and assess knowledge from literature at an advanced level.

Contents

• Interaction between atoms and light

• Laser cooling and trapping. Radiation forces

• Atoms in strong fields. Application to extreme optics: attosecond pulses

• Manipulation of atoms, molecules and larger systems with light

• Nano-optics

• Quantum communication and quantum computers

Literature
Foot, C.J.: Atomic Physics. Oxford University Press 2004 (Chap. 7-14)
Laboratory instructions.