Research community previously filed under “Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics”

Laser-Controlled Atomic Systems for Precision Metrology and Quantum Control

Papers 61,036
Elements 20
Keywords & sectors 37
Leading venue Physical Review A

Laser-Controlled Atomic Systems for Precision Metrology and Quantum Control

This community investigates the manipulation of atoms and ions using laser light and magnetic fields to build ultra-precise time standards, measure magnetic fields, and control quantum states for computation and sensing.

The work centers on the interaction of light with matter, specifically utilizing laser cooling, magneto-optical traps, and optical lattices to isolate and control individual atoms or ions. Recurring methods include high-order harmonic generation, electromagnetically induced transparency, and spectroscopy of Rydberg atoms and vapor cells. These techniques are applied to construct optical atomic clocks with extreme frequency stability, develop atomic magnetometers for sensitive field detection, and engineer quantum memories and networks. The research also explores the dynamics of ultracold gases and the generation of extreme ultraviolet and soft x-ray light, providing the foundational tools for both fundamental physics tests and emerging quantum technologies.

Rubidium research accounts for the largest share of this community's output, representing 21.9% of all tracked rubidium research, with 4,250 papers in this group. Helium and neon also show significant engagement, comprising 9.5% and 11.2% of their respective element research, with 5,236 and 1,191 papers here.

The community comprises 61,036 papers, publishing most frequently in Physical Review A, Physical Review Letters, and Journal of Physics B: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics.

Recent work includes the development of metasurface optical tweezer arrays for trapping single atoms, the use of laser-based spectroscopy for thorium-229 nuclear clock transitions, and the application of squeezed light for quantum-enhanced sensing.

Recurring themes in the literature

Phrases that recur across this community's paper titles -- a quick map of its sub-topics, drawn straight from the titles themselves.

  • harmonic generation 223
  • optical lattice 220
  • atomic clock 202
  • magnetic field 172
  • laser pulses 168
  • electromagnetically induced 146
  • atomic vapor 139
  • laser cooling 137
  • magneto-optical trap 137
  • vapor cell 134
  • extreme ultraviolet 134
  • optically pumped 123
  • rydberg atoms 122
  • lattice clock 119
  • optical clock 117
  • induced transparency 117
  • optical frequency 112
  • hyperfine structure 112
  • atomic magnetometer 105
  • cross sections 103
  • soft x-ray 102
  • high-order harmonic 102
  • femtosecond laser 102
  • laser fields 96

Papers behind this description

Most cited
Nature · 2023 · 1090 citations
Nature · 2023 · 521 citations
Advances In Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics · 2024 · 274 citations
Physical Review Letters · 2024 · 199 citations
Nature · 2024 · 174 citations
Newest
Nature · 2026 · 18 citations
Nature Physics · 2025 · 16 citations
Nature · 2025 · 13 citations
Light Science & Applications · 2025 · 14 citations
Applied Sciences · 2025 · 14 citations

A sample from the 14 papers behind this description. Create a free account to see them all.