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Part I Overview
Pages 4-20

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From page 5...
... The nature of the field is described in the next section, "A Basic and Enabling Science." Some of the fundamental questions addressed by AMO science are discussed, and its role in enabling other sciences, applications, and technology is explored. In "Benefits of AMO Science," the field's contributions to scientific and human resources, to economic productivity, to medical science, and to the nation's technological infrastructure are described.
From page 7...
... science in that context, the Panel on Future Opportunities in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Sciences was charged, among other things, to review advances of the last decade; determine requirements of the field in the context of national needs such as those related to industrial and technological competitiveness, human health and welfare, environment, defense, energy, and education; establish research and educational priorities from various perspectives; and identify scientific forefronts, technological opportunities, and windows of future opportunity. As demonstrated in this report, AMO science is a diverse field whose impact on national needs and priorities is substantial.
From page 8...
... Hence, this report focuses on the topics that are within the purview of these conferences and adopts a definition of optical science that includes only the following subjects: laser spectroscopy; nonlinear optical phenomena; quantum optics; optical interactions with condensed matter; ultrafast optics; and coherent light sources. Although this definition provides a focus for this report and encompasses many of the exciting topics in this field, it does not include many equally important areas of optical science.
From page 9...
... The world's most accurate measurements occur in AMO science, because time and frequency, which are the most accurately measurable physical quantities, fall primarily in the AMO domain. The quest of AMO scientists for improved measurement techniques and accuracy has resulted in inventive new instrumentation, including new sources of light, and technologies that find application in areas ranging from industrial manufacturing, new materials, and processing to medicine and environmental monitoring.
From page 10...
... Weapons guidance, detection of intrusion by hostile weaponry, monitoring of possible poison gases, and design and analysis of the effects of weapons depend on input from AMO science, illustrating that the contributions of AMO science to national defense and security have been substantial and will continue to play a vital role as new optical technologies are introduced and as simulations of warfare scenarios become increasingly important. AMO science will be a major element in the sensing technology necessary for monitoring compliance with arms limitation agreements in an increasingly complex geopolitical scene.
From page 11...
... Chemical and optical sensors are essential in process control, and measurements based in AMO science are essential to quality control. Knowledge and control of atomic and molecular processes occurring in plasma processing of materials used in electronic chip manufacture and in the aerospace, automotive, steel, biomedical, and toxic waste management industries help in the effectiveness and efficiency of those operations.
From page 12...
... The fact that AMO science is an enabling science to other fields astrophysics, space science, atmospheric and environmental science, biosciences, plasma science, nuclear physics, and surface science is also emphasized there, and examples are discussed.
From page 13...
... However, it is vitally important to the field and its future applications to maintain a balance between goal-oriented research and exploratory basic research. THE SCOPE AND SUPPORT OF AMO SCIENCE: THE CORE PROGRAM The foregoing discussion and supporting information in Part II of this report make the case that AMO science produces knowledge and technologies that are of social and economic significance and that such benefits will continue in the future.
From page 14...
... The panel estimates that AMO science is an important enabling factor in products and services amounting to about 9% of the GNP, which suggests that the nation's investment in the field has been economically beneficial. The panel's top priority is maintaining and enhancing responsiveness of the field to national needs by ensuring a healthy, balanced core program of research and education in AMO science.
From page 15...
... have understood the need for this undergirding support for AMO science and have traditionally supported strong research programs, the products of which have led to applications to their respective missions. As the nation's concerns shift from defense requirements toward civilian needs such as economic competitiveness, national infrastructures, health care, energy, and the environment, it must be recognized that the products of AMO science may be even more valuable to these new goals than they have been to defense.
From page 16...
... · Measurement techniques, sensors, and instrumentation based on AMO science are a central component of advanced manufacturing processes and contribute significantly to enhanced industrial output. They are also important to environmental monitoring, pollution control, and medical diagnostics and monitoring.
From page 17...
... program in AMO science. · Many important practical applications of AMO science in areas such as remote sensing, atmospheric science and fossil fuel combustion, plasma processing, and medical diagnostics require a database of accurate quantitative measurements and calculations of atomic, molecular, and optical properties.
From page 18...
... The panel recommends that the responsiveness and value of the field be further strengthened by developing closer ties with those areas and agencies that benefit and stand to further benefit from AMO science but that have not traditionally had strong links with the field, such as health, transportation, and environment. Institutions and agencies concerned with progress in these areas should also participate in the funding of AMO science.
From page 19...
... . The panel recommends that all the federal agencies that fund AMO science actively support and participate in an interagency advisory or coordinating committee to collect and disseminate information about AMO science and its role in federal strategic initiatives and other areas of application and to provide guidance to government, industry, academic institutions, and others in the AMO science community.
From page 20...
... · Given the narrow definition of optical science adopted in this study, the panel recommends that a more comprehensive assessment of the more broadly defined field of optical science, engineering, and technology be undertaken.5 SThe National Research Council has approved the conduct of a major study of the field of optical science and engineering.


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