New physics with evanescent wave atomic mirrors: The van der Waals force and atomic diffraction

After a brief introduction to the held of atom optics and to atomic mirrors , we present experimental results obtained in our group during the last two pars while studying the reflection of rubidium atoms by an evanescent wave . These involve the first measurement of the van der Waals force between an atom in its ground state and a dielectric wall, as well as the demonstrati on of a reflection grating for atoms at normal incidence. We also consider the influence of quantum reflection and tunnelling phenomena Further studie s using the atomic mirror as a probe of the van der Waals interaction, and of very small surface roughness are briefly discussed.