DrClaude said:
I have to disagree. I was very disappointed by Lethokov's book, which reads like a very long review article. Nothing much is actually explained in the book, and one has to constantly refer to the cited papers.yoreh said:
DrClaude said:
I've looked through my bookshelf, and I'll really stick to my recommendation of Grynberg et al. As I said, the topics of interest to you are quite new, at the current frontier of research, and most of the books do not cover these newer areas. The Grynberg book will give you both a good introduction to basic quantum optics and discuss the topics of interest to you.TomServo said:
An optical clock is a type of atomic clock that uses laser light to measure the frequency of atomic transitions, providing a highly accurate measurement of time. It is based on the principle of using the natural oscillations of atoms as a time reference, rather than the vibrations of a mechanical oscillator.
Cold atoms are atoms that have been cooled to extremely low temperatures, typically near absolute zero. They are used in clocks because at these low temperatures, the atoms are less susceptible to external influences and exhibit more stable and predictable oscillations, resulting in more accurate time measurements.
A frequency comb is a tool for precisely measuring and controlling the frequencies of light. It is essential for optical clocks and cold atoms because it allows for the comparison of their frequencies with the internationally agreed upon definition of a second, providing a universal time standard.
One highly recommended book on this topic is "Atomic Clocks: Principles and Applications" by Yann Le Coq and Christian Chardonnet. It covers the fundamental principles and latest developments in the field, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experts.
Yes, there are numerous practical applications for these technologies, including timekeeping for GPS systems, synchronization of telecommunication networks, and precision measurements in fundamental physics research. They also have potential uses in fields such as geodesy, navigation, and satellite positioning.