Experimental Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the title of this NSF funding opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Experimental Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics" and is associated with NSF Funding Opportunity Number PD 05 1241.

What type of funding instrument is offered?

The funding instrument identified in the listing is a grant.

What research area does this program support?

This program supports research in experimental atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics, with an emphasis on advancing fundamental understanding and experimental capabilities in AMO science.

How is the program categorized by activity type?

The activity category is listed as Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

Which CFDA program is associated with this opportunity?

The listing aligns the opportunity with CFDA 47.049, identified as Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

What are the main research sub-areas supported by the program?

The opportunity describes four main sub-areas:

• Precision Measurements
• Atomic and Molecular Dynamics
• Atomic and Molecular Structure
• Optical Physics

What kinds of topics are emphasized in Precision Measurements, Atomic and Molecular Dynamics, and Atomic and Molecular Structure?

Across the first three sub-areas, NSF indicates interest in projects such as:

• Quantum control and state manipulation of atoms and molecules
• Cooling and trapping techniques for neutral atoms and ions
• Low-temperature collision dynamics, including quantum-dominated scattering, reactions, and energy exchange
• Collective behavior in weakly interacting quantum gases (including Bose-Einstein condensates and dilute Fermi-degenerate systems)
• Precision measurements related to fundamental constants and other foundational tests
• Studies of electron correlation and how it affects atomic/molecular structure and dynamical response

Does the program support research involving ultracold quantum gases?

Yes. The listing specifically notes interest in the collective behavior of atoms in weakly interacting gases, including Bose-Einstein condensates and dilute Fermi-degenerate systems, where many-body quantum effects can become visible at macroscopic scales.

Are cooling, trapping, and quantum control approaches within scope?

Yes. Within the first three sub-areas, the opportunity highlights interest in quantum control and state manipulation and in cooling and trapping techniques for neutral atoms and ions.

What does "low-temperature collision dynamics" mean in the context of this program?

As described in the opportunity summary, low-temperature collision dynamics includes research on how particles scatter, react, or exchange energy when their motion is dominated by quantum mechanics.

What kinds of precision measurement projects are relevant?

The opportunity states that it supports precision measurement efforts tied to fundamental constants and other foundational tests.

What role does electron correlation play in the topics described?

The program includes work examining electron correlation, described as how electrons influence each other beyond simple independent-particle pictures, and how that correlation shapes both structure and dynamical responses in atoms and molecules.

What is the focus of the Optical Physics sub-area?

In Optical Physics, the focus is on light-matter interaction in regimes where electromagnetic fields are intense, ultrashort, or strongly quantized.

Does the Optical Physics sub-area include strong-field or ultrafast topics?

Yes. The listing references nonlinear responses of isolated atoms exposed to intense, ultra-short electromagnetic pulses, which is relevant to strong-field and ultrafast physics.

Are atom-cavity interaction projects included?

Yes. The opportunity emphasizes atom-cavity interactions at high fields, described in terms consistent with systems where atoms interact strongly with confined electromagnetic modes (often associated with cavity quantum electrodynamics-type regimes).

Does the program support research on quantum properties of light itself?

Yes. The Optical Physics sub-area includes support for research on quantum properties of the electromagnetic field, which can include nonclassical light, field quantization effects, and measurement or control of quantum states of light.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning it is broadly open to applicants of any entity type, subject to any specific clarifications that may appear in the official NSF program text.

Are the closing dates one-time or recurring?

The solicitation history indicates recurring annual target dates. The record notes an annual target date described as the last Wednesday in September, and also references an update indicating the last Wednesday in October annually (as noted via a referenced PHY Dear Colleague Letter archive).

What were the original posting and original closing dates?

The history provided states the opportunity was originally posted on March 24, 2009, with an original closing date of September 30, 2009.

What archive date is shown for the opportunity?

The listing shows an archive date of July 18, 2012.

What closing date is currently shown in the record?

The record shows a current closing date of July 17, 2012.

Does the listing provide the expected number of awards or total funding amount?

No. In the provided source data, the expected number of awards and total funding amount are shown as 0. The summary indicates this typically means those fields were not populated in the record, rather than implying that no funding will be available.

Where can applicants find additional supporting documentation?

The opportunity references an additional information link labeled "NSF Program Description 05 1241".

Who should be contacted for Grants.gov access or submission issues related to this opportunity?

For access issues, the contact guidance points applicants to NSF Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.

What should applicants do if they have trouble linking to the announcement?

The listing notes that applicants should contact NSF support if there are problems linking to the announcement.