This book provides a thorough introduction to the interaction of atoms and atomic ions with optical and magnetic fields. Particular emphasis is placed on the wealth of important multilevel effects, where atomic vapours exhibit anisotropic behaviour. As well as covering the classic two-level atom approach to light-atom interactions, a general multi-level formalism is also described in detail, and used to discuss optical pumping, two-dimensional spectroscopy and nonlinear optical dynamics. The final chapter deals with the mechanical effects of light, including the cooling and trapping of atoms. With full theoretical and experimental coverage, and over 250 illustrations, the book will be of great interest to graduate students of laser spectroscopy, quantum electronics and quantum optics, and to researchers in these fields.

"With reasonable theoretical and experimental coverage, along with 276 beautiful explanatory illustrations, this volume should serve well as a reference for research scientists and advanced graduate students in fields such as laser spectroscopy, quantum electronics, and quantum optics... boasts a very helpful index...the material covered is as recent as 1994." Reva Garg, Optics & Photonics News

"The eye-catching element of this book is the brief summary of subject matter in the beginning of each chapter...the author does not hesitate to repeat explanations when needed." Reva Garg, Optics & Phonotics News