Open AccessPhysicsMaterials Science

C. E. Wieman

1988.10.1EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICS

DOI: 10.1088/0143-0807/9/4/001

tlooto Summary

Review of laser cooling and trapping effects, including classical light forces and quantum fluctuations, with successful experiments illustrating applications.

Abstract

The basic physical effects leading to radiation-induced forces are reviewed. A simple derivation of the mathematical expressions for the classical light forces is given. The influence of quantum fluctuations is demonstrated and the possibilities for trapping neutral particles are discussed. Two recent successful laser cooling and trapping experiments are described to illustrate the applications of the basic principles.

Citation format

WIEMAN, C. E. Laser cooling and trapping. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICS, 1988, 9: 242–249.