This grant provides partial support for students to attend the Winter Graduate School on Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics: Ultracold and Ultrafast Atomic Physics, January 8-20, 2012. The school, organized by ITAMP (Institute for Theoretical Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics) and the B2 (Biosphere 2) Institute, seeks to enhance the training of students in two of the major research areas in contemporary atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) sciences -- "Toward absolute zero" and "Extreme light" -- identified in "Controlling the Quantum World," one of the volumes in the 2010 NRC Decadal Physics Review. This inaugural winter school allows students to interact with eminent scientists in a relaxed atmosphere, away from the distractions of everyday life. Multiple lectures are given on subjects associated with "ultracold atomic and molecular physics" and "ultrashort and ultrastrong coherent physics" in an environment that fosters interaction and discussions, with plenty of opportunities for teachers and students to mingle outside the classroom, and the possibility for initiating new collaborative projects. The meeting is aimed primarily at graduate students representing a broad spectrum of interests in experimental and theoretical research in AMO physics and who come from diverse backgrounds and programs across the nation.
Atomic Molecular and Optical (AMO) physics is a branch of physics dealing with interactions between atoms, electrons and molecular and electromagnetic fields, such as lasers. It is an inter-disciplinary research and educational area which has led to revolutionary advances in science and technology, as evident by 11 Nobel Prizes since 1997. Two main areas of intense focus within AMO physics are the ultracold and ultrafast sciences; those dealing with bringing atoms and molecules to standstill and manipulating them and those dealing with zapping them with very fast and strong laser pulses to ionize and fragment atoms and molecules. The 2012 ITAMP/B2 Institute Winter Graduate School was a unique opportunity for the students and faculty in these two areas to mingle together, learn from each and enjoy the quite and pristine environs of the B2 campus. Two Nobel laureates, two McArthur Fellows and four members of the US National Academies were among the lecturers. Students had ample opportunity to sit with the faculty during the class breaks, during lunches and dinners, and during hikes and other extra activities. Poster prizes were given out to outstanding student posters, and were voted on by the faculty. The lectures from this winter school are available for viewing (public domain) on the ITAMP Youtube channel, www.youtube.com/ITAMPhysics.
