The purpose of the workshop is to create an interdisciplinary platform
for the discussion of the phenomenon of quantum reflection.
Quantum reflection is a classically counterintuitive phenomenon whereby
the motion of particles is reverted "against the force" acting on
them. This effect manifests the wave nature of particles and influences
collisions of ultracold atoms and interaction of atoms with solid
surfaces.
Quantum reflection of cold atoms from surfaces occurs on the
attractive tails of long-range atom surface potentials, and takes place
at mesoscopic distances on the order of a fraction of a
micron. Because of that, studies of quantum reflection are closely
related to studies of the long-range atom-surface interactions and
contribute to our understanding of the interface between quantum world
and the macroscopic world in general.
Observation of quantum reflection has become possible thanks to recent
advances in trapping and cooling atoms. Utilization of this effect has
only begun and holds many exciting promises. The goal of the workshop
is to present the recent results and applications of quantum
reflection in the areas of atomic, molecular, optical and surface
physics, and to discuss its potential for science and technology,
notably for the understanding of quantum mechanics, for realization of
experiments testing quantum electrodynamics and gravity, and for
applications in the fields of quantum optics and nanotechnology.
