L}}vy Statistics and Laser Cooling How Rare Events Bring Atoms to Rest [Hardcover]

A graduate-level book demonstrating the application of L?vy statistics to understand laser cooling of atoms.This is a book about laser cooling, which allows atoms to be cooled to very low temperatures, and which is a new research field with many potential applications. The authors present an original approach to these problems, using the tools and concepts of statistical physics. A new understanding of laser cooling, both intuitive and quantitative, is obtained. This problem is also a case study allowing non-Gaussian (Lévy) statistics, which are being used more frequently in many different fields, to be introduced and explained in a simple and thorough way.This is a book about laser cooling, which allows atoms to be cooled to very low temperatures, and which is a new research field with many potential applications. The authors present an original approach to these problems, using the tools and concepts of statistical physics. A new understanding of laser cooling, both intuitive and quantitative, is obtained. This problem is also a case study allowing non-Gaussian (Lévy) statistics, which are being used more frequently in many different fields, to be introduced and explained in a simple and thorough way.This is a book about laser cooling, a new research field with many potential applications. The authors present an original approach, using the tools and concepts of statistical physics. A new understanding of laser cooling, both intuitive and quantitative, is obtained. The volume also comprises a case study allowing non-Gaussian (Lévy) statistics, a technique being used more frequently in many different fields.1. Introduction; 2. Subrecoil laser cooling and anomalous random walks; 3. Trapping and recyling. Statistical properties; 4. Broad distributions and L?vy statistics: a brief overview; 5. Proportion of atoms trapped in quasi-dark states; 6. Momentum distribution; 7. Physical discussion; 8. Tests of the statistical approach; 9. ExamplelóO