Discussion Overview
The discussion focuses on identifying US universities that offer strong graduate programs in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics. Participants share their preferences and insights regarding specific institutions and faculty, as well as considerations for selecting a graduate school.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses a strong preference for the University of Colorado at Boulder due to their interest in AMO physics and Bose-Einstein Condensates.
- Another participant suggests additional universities known for AMO programs, including Harvard, MIT, and the University of Maryland at College Park, noting the latter's proximity to NIST as a relevant factor.
- A third participant highlights the importance of choosing a graduate program based on the faculty, recommending that prospective students consider which professors they would like to work with rather than focusing solely on the institution itself.
- Stanford is also mentioned as a notable institution for AMO studies.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the importance of faculty in selecting a graduate program, but there are multiple competing views regarding which universities are the best for AMO studies.
Contextual Notes
Some participants express specific interests within AMO, such as Bose-Einstein Condensates, which may influence their choices. The discussion does not resolve which university is definitively the best for AMO programs.
Who May Find This Useful
Prospective graduate students interested in pursuing studies in atomic, molecular, and optical physics, as well as those considering faculty relationships in their decision-making process.