As part of the Physics 2010 decadal survey project, the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation requested that the National Research Council assess the opportunities, over roughly the next decade, in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) science and technology. In particular, the National Research Council was asked to cover the state of AMO science, emphasizing recent accomplishments and identifying new and compelling scientific questions. Controlling the Quantum World, discusses both the roles and challenges for AMO science in instrumentation; scientific research near absolute zero; development of extremely intense x-ray and laser sources; exploration and control of molecular processes; photonics at the nanoscale level; and development of quantum information technology. This book also offers an assessment of and recommendations about critical issues concerning maintaining U.S. leadership in AMO science and technology.


Table of Contents


Front Matter
Summary
1 Controlling the Quantum World: AMO Science in the Coming Decade
2 AMO Science and the Basic Laws of Nature
3 Toward Absolute Zero
4 Extreme Light
5 Exploring and Controlling the Inner Workings of a Molecule
6 Photonics and the Nanoworld
7 Quantum Information with Light and Atoms
8 Realizing the Future
Appendix A: AMO 2010 Queries to Federal Funding Agencies
Appendix B: Funding
Appendix C: Foreign Activity in AMO Science
Appendix D: Intellectual Outlines of Current Research
Appendix E: People
Appendix F: New Research Modalities