In reviewing experiments carried out in the main in the author's laboratory, the directionality, power and monochromaticity of lasers are exploited. Using laser spectroscopy, small numbers of atoms and molecules can be detected, particularly when broadly tunable lasers are used. Laser labeling allows the simplification of spectra, and the technique of Doppler-free two-photon spectroscopy has led to new discoveries. The relevant apparatus is described for each technique.
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