Atomic, Molecular, Optical & Plasma Physics

Atomic, molecular, optical, and plasma physics studies the fundamental constituents of matter in our everyday world (electrons, protons, ions, atoms, molecules, etc.) as well as electromagnetic radiation. It is the primary testing ground for quantum mechanics, our basic theory of the physical universe. Scientists in AMOP science no longer simply try to describe the processes they study; they aim to control and to image these processes in real time.

In addition, the world's most refined and accurate measurements occur in the AMOP sciences in part because frequencies, the most accurately measurable physical quantities, are largely in its domain. This unprecedented ability to control, measure, and image matter and its processes on the atomic scale holds the promise of novel applications that will benefit the health, security, and economic well-being of society.