Get some general information about AMOS physics and learn about the Atomic Molecular and Optical Sciences group in the Chemical Sciences Division of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory:

Atomic, molecular, and optical physics is the study of matter-matter and light-matter interactions on the scale of single atoms or structures containing a few atoms. The three areas are grouped together because of their interrelationships, the similarity of methods used, and the commonality of the energy scales that are relevant. Physicists sometimes abbreviate the field as AMO physics. All three areas include both classical and quantum treatments

Atomic Physics:
Atomic physics studies the electron hull of atoms. This branch of physics is distinct from nuclear physics, despite their association in the public consciousness. Atomic physics is not concerned with the intra-nuclear processes studied in nuclear physics, although properties of the nucleus can be important in atomic physics (e.g., hyperfine structure). Current research focuses on activities in quantum control, cooling and trapping of atoms and ions, low-temperature collision dynamics, the collective behavior of atoms in weakly interacting gases (Bose-Einstein Condensates and dilute Fermi degenerate systems), precision measurements of fundamental constants, and the effects of electron correlation on structure and dynamics.

Molecular Physics:
Molecular physics focuses on multi-atomic structures and their internal and external interactions with matter and light. Molecular physics is the study of the physical properties of molecules and of the chemical bonds between atoms that bind them into molecules. Its most important experimental techniques are the various types of spectroscopy. The field is closely related to atomic physics and overlaps greatly with theoretical chemistry, physical chemistry and chemical physics. Additionally to the electronic excitation states which are known from atoms, molecules are able to rotate and to vibrate. These rotations and vibrations are quantized, there are discrete energy levels. The smallest energy differences exist between different rotational states, therefore pure rotational spectra are in the far infrared region (about 30 - 150 µm wavelength) of the electromagnetical spectrum. Vibrational spectra are in the near infrared (about 1 - 5 µm) and spectra resulting from electronic transitions are mostly in the visible and ultraviolet regions. From measuring rotational and vibrational spectra properties of molecules like the distance between the nuclei can be calculated and vice versa.

Optical Physics:
Optical physics is distinct from optics in that it tends to focus not on the control of classical light fields by macroscopic objects, but on the fundamental properties of optical fields and their interactions with matter in the microscopic realm. Optical physics, or optical science, is a subfield of atomic, molecular, and optical physics. It is the study of the generation of electromagnetic radiation, the properties of that radiation, and the interaction of that radiation with matter, especially its manipulation and control. It differs from general optics and optical engineering in that it is focused on the discovery and application of new phenomena. There is no strong distinction, however, between optical physics, applied optics, and optical engineering, since the devices of optical engineering and the applications of applied optics are necessary for basic research in optical physics, and that research leads to the development of new devices and applications. Often the same people are involved in both the basic research and the applied technology development.
Researchers in optical physics use and develop light sources that span the electromagnetic spectrum from microwaves to X-rays. The field includes the generation and detection of light, linear and nonlinear optical processes, and spectroscopy. Lasers and laser spectroscopy have transformed optical science. Major study in optical physics is also devoted to quantum optics and coherence, and to femtosecond optics. In optical physics, support is also provided in areas such as the nonlinear response of isolated atoms to intense, ultra-short electromagnetic fields, the atom-cavity interaction at high fields, and quantum properties of the electromagnetic field. Other important areas of research include the development of novel optical techniques for nano-optical measurements, diffractive optics, low-coherence interferometry, optical coherence tomography, and near-field microscopy. Research in optical physics places an emphasis on ultrafast optical science and technology. The applications of optical physics create advancements in communications, medicine, manufacturing, and even entertainment.

Note:

Please use this weblink to get information about the Divison of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (DAMOP) of the American Physical Society: about_DAMOP

The goal of the program is to understand the structure and dynamics of atoms and molecules using photons and electrons as probes. The current program is focussed on studying inner-shell photo-ionization and photo-excitation of atoms and molecules, molecular orientation effects in slow collisions (electron attachment), and X-ray photo-excitation and ionization of laser-dressed atoms and molecules. The experimental and theoretical efforts are designed to break new ground and to provide basic knowledge that is central to the programmatic goals of the Department of Energy (DOE). Unique LBNL facilities such as the Advanced Light Source (ALS), the laser labs in building 2 (Femto second and High Harmonics Laser sources), and the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) are used to perform experimental and computational work. The program makes full use of the unique resources and expertise of the Laboratory in engineering, detector development and computation.

We seek to obtain new insight into atomic and molecular processes and to test advanced theoretical treatments by achieving new levels of completeness in the description of the distribution of momenta and/or internal states of the products and their correlations. The work currently ongoing at the ALS centers on studies of inner-shell photo-ionization of atoms and molecules and makes use of both synchrotron radiation and the newly constructed slicing beamline (delievering short VUV pulses). The experimental studies are carried out with the powerful COLd Target Recoil Ion Momentum Spectroscopy (COLTRIMS) technique to detect momenta of all of the fragments.

The Atomic Molecuar and Optical Sciences group devides into to following sub-divisions:

• AMOS^theo:Collisions of electrons and photons with molecules are being investigated with new theoretical techniques and parallel computing algorithms. Leading persons are Prof. Dr. C.W. McCurdy and Dr. T.N. Rescigno and Prof. Dr. A.E. Orel (U.C. Davis).



• AMOS^exp: Investigation of single and double photo ionization or excitation of simple atoms and moelcues, electron transfer and attachemt. Modification of structure and dynamics of atoms and molecules evolving in strong and short laser fields. Leading persons are Dr. A. Bellkacem and Dr. T. Weber.

The Atomic Molecular and Optical Sciences Group(s) belong the the Chemical Sciences Division of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The overall task and mission of the CSD is as follows:

In support of the Basic Energy Sciences mission of the DOE, the Chemical Sciences Division carries out fundamental research in the chemical sciences and engineering to provide a basis for new and improved energy technologies and for understanding and mitigating the environmental impacts of energy use. The Chemical Sciences Division

• sets the standard for world leadership in several key areas of chemical sciences and engineering: catalysis, actinide chemistry, reaction dynamics, photoionization.
• explores chemical processes and elucidates their fundamental mechanisms so that they can be integrated into future technologies.
• provides graduate or postdoctoral training to many of the most talented people beginning careers in chemical science and engineering.
• publishes widely in the scientific literature.
• has constructed and operates the Chemical Dynamics beamline as a national user facility at the Advanced Light Source.
• operates the Molecular Environmental Sciences Facility at the ALS.
• is unique in the U.S. as a center for education in nuclear chemistry and radiochemistry.

Please use this weblink to get more information about the Chemical Sciences Division: Chemical Sciences Division

The several working groups in the Chemical Sciences Division make use of the following facilites here at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory:

- Chemical Dynamics Beamline - The Glenn Seaborg Center

- Beamline 11.0.2 - Other LBNL Facilities

Responsible persons of the experimental AMOS^exp group:
Project Scientist: Dr. Daniel Slaughter
Staff Scientist: Dr. Thorsten Weber
Group Leader and Division Director: Dr. Ali Belkacem