by Vladilen S Letokhov, Oxford University Press. Hardback ISBN 9780198528166 £55 ($110).
The general term “laser control of atoms and molecules” covers a variety of problems, including the laser selection of atomic and molecular velocities for the purpose of Doppler-free spectroscopy; laser trapping and cooling of atoms; and laser control of atomic and molecular processes (ionization, dissociation) with a view to detecting single atoms and molecules and, in particular, separating isotopes and nuclear isomers. During the past decade, the principal problems have been successfully solved, many evolving in subsequent research worldwide. The aim of this book by one of the acknowledged experts in the field is to review these topics from a unified point of view, providing a resource for researchers in the various different fields.
