laser cooling techniques

Laser cooling techniques use precisely tuned laser light to slow down and reduce the thermal motion of atoms or molecules. When atoms absorb photons from the laser, they gain momentum, but the laser is tuned so that atoms preferentially absorb light opposing their movement. This results in a change in the atom’s velocity, effectively cooling it. After absorption, atoms emit photons randomly, which doesn't add much directional momentum. Repeating this process reduces the atoms’ kinetic energy, lowering their temperature. Techniques like Doppler cooling and optical molasses enable scientists to reach extremely low temperatures for advanced experiments in physics and quantum research.