Cold atoms in dissipative optical lattices

We present a review of the work done with dissipative optical lattices so f ar. A dissipative optical lattice is achieved when a light field provides b oth velocity damping and spatial periodicity of the atomic density. We intr oduce the geometric properties of optical lattices using a classical model for the atoms. We discuss the Sisyphus cooling mechanism and its extension to different optical lattices, and we present the main theoretical approach es used to describe the atomic dynamics in optical lattices. The major expe rimental tools and studies are then discussed. This includes pump-probe spe ctroscopy, experiments based on fluorescence, Bragg scattering and studies of atomic interactions. We also present different phenomena occurring in th e presence of an additional static magnetic field. Atomic nanolithography i s finally briefly discussed as an application of optical lattices. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.