Atomic and molecular physics (AMP) is the area of physics that focuses on the study of the properties of matter at the atomic and molecular level, and whose main tool is quantum mechanics. Current technology makes it possible to manipulate individual atoms, thereby impacting the AMP field itself, as well as other areas of the solid state and biophysics.
Since its inception, AMP has been one of IFUNAM's main research areas, integrating an important part of its academic platform. Various lines of research have been developed, ranging from theoretical foundations to applications to various systems of practical interest. The AMP is also an interdisciplinary area, integrating knowledge from various fields such as nanosciences and molecular biophysics.
In the theoretical topics, the area of molecular simulation stands out. The fundamental properties of atoms and molecules are studied. Methodologies are developed to perform high-precision atomic calculations. The confinement of atoms and molecules, and their behavior under extreme conditions of temperature and pressure, among others, are also studied.
Experimental research is carried out primarily using particle accelerators and sources of ionizing radiation for the study of atomic processes. Fundamental and applied research is carried out with techniques that use positrons, and studying the emission of characteristic X-rays and processes in internal atomic layers by the irradiation of atoms with particles charged cells and photons.
IFUNAM has the latest generation of computational tools and laboratories that support the work of researchers and students, in addition to the super-computational services provided by UNAM. On a weekly basis, researchers and students from all areas interact through seminars from the various departments, allowing the sharing of knowledge and the latest advances in the various areas of atomic and molecular physics.
