About Us
The Division of Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics Canada (DAMOPC) includes both experimental and theoretical physicists working in the field of ‘AMO’ physics, which is Atomic, Molecular, and Optical physics. Topics of study include: the properties of light; applications of laser science; photonic devices; fundamentals of quantum mechanics and the nature of quantum information; the interaction of light with photonic crystals, semiconductors, quantum wells and superlattices; ultafast and nonlinear optical phenomena and spectroscopy; cold and ultracold atoms such as Bose-Einstein condensates and neutral Fermi gases; trapped ions; plasma physics; and studies of biological systems using optical probes. Such a wide variety of interests are drawn together by a common focus on lasers as primary experimental tools, and on quantum mechanics as the primary theoretical paradigm. Even though AMO is an old field, it has been continually rejuvenated with new technologies and deeper understanding.
As some recent evidence of this, AMO physicists have received a Nobel Prize in 1989, 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009, 2012, 2014 and 2018, including two Canadian laureates: Willard S. Boyle in 2009 and Donna Strickland in 2018.
Our Mission/Activities
- enhance the quality and excellence of AMO physics and photonics in Canada.
- inform members of developments of the field at the CAP Congress and through Division e-updates
- recognize outstanding junior researchers
- raise awareness of the benefits of physics for the long-term health of Canada.
DAMOPC News and Resources
Our Leadership
Chair
Jens Lassen
TRIUMF
Simon Fraser University
University of Manitoba
Vice Chair
Secretary-Treasurer
Duncan O’Dell
McMaster University
Past Chair
Nisha Agarwal
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Communications / Webmaster
Vicky V.M.
CAP Program Coordinator