Atomic, Molecular & Optical Physics

Atomic, Molecular, and Optical research at Michigan covers a broad selection of topics revolving around the structure and behavior of atoms, light and optical phenomena; the interactions between atoms and light; and the use of light and lasers in the investigation of physical phenomena. Departmental specialties include: laser cooling and trapping of atoms and ions; ultrafast laser science and spectroscopy; ultrafast X-ray generation; studies of Rydberg atoms; experimental and theoretical development of quantum information science, positron physics and microscopy; spectroscopy of quantum dots; biophysics with individual DNA strands; precision measurements; and tests of fundamental symmetries.

In addition to individual research programs, the AMO Physics group is associated with three large interdisciplinary centers: The Center for Frontiers in Optical Coherent and Ultrafast Science (FOCUS), the Optical Physics Interdisciplinary Laboratory (OPIL), and the Michigan Center for Theoretical Physics (MCTP). OPIL and FOCUS both have laboratories in the Physics Department. The AMO Physics area has close ties to several related subfields and technologies, including astrophysics, high energy, nuclear, condensed matter, and atmospheric physics. Research connections outside the Department include the University of Michigan Applied Physics Program, Chemistry Department, Materials Science Department, Biophysics Research Division, Medical School, and Electrical Engineering Department.