High resolution laser spectroscopy of atomic systems

Laser experiments now dominate the field of high resolution optical spectroscopy of atoms. This review attempts to show why lasers have had such an impact on the subject and to describe the techniques in use today. It starts by looking at characteristics of present day laser sources and at detection methods and techniques for frequency measurement. Then the various ways of performing Doppler-free high resolution laser spectroscopy are dealt with in turn and examples are given from different areas of atomic spectroscopy to show the wide application of lasers. The main methods dealt with include beam techniques (thermal atomic beams and fast ion beams), multiphoton spectroscopy, saturation methods and laser cooling of atoms and ions. The review concludes by highlighting a number of areas where further development can be expected in the near future.