U.S. and Polish physicists have collaborated informally for several years in the areas of quantum optics and atomic physics. The re-establishment of formal programs for cooperation between the United States and Poland makes it possible to renew and continue these collaborations. The partnership between Joseph H. Eberly of the University of Rochester and Iwo Bialynicki-Birula of the Instsitute of Physics ofthe Polish Academy of Sciences has been particular fruitful, focusing on the study of atoms and photons in interaction with each other. Among other achievements, members of the U.S. and Polish teams have been responsible for the first observations of the statistical enhancement of multiphoton transitions in two-photon ionization, and of intense coherent light beams carrying large-scale quantum flucations. This project will extend the collaboration to include the involvement of experimental workers, particularly J.E. Bayfield of the University of Pittsburgh and C. Radzewicz of Warsaw University. It is expected that this project will result in futher important contributions to our fundamental understanding of quantum and nonlinear optics and atomic physics. The project fulfills the NSF U.S.-Eastern Europe Cooperative Science Program's objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling leading experts in the United States and Eastern Europe to combine complementary talents and pool resources in areas of strong mutual interset and competence.
