Optical physics is a subfield of
atomic, molecular, and optical physics. It is the study of the generation of
electromagnetic radiation, the properties of that radiation, and the interaction of that radiation with
matter, especially its manipulation and control. It differs from general
optics and
optical engineering in that it is focused on the discovery and application of new phenomena. There is no strong distinction, however, between optical physics, applied optics, and optical engineering, since the devices of optical engineering and the applications of applied optics are necessary for basic research in optical physics, and that research leads to the development of new devices and applications. Often the same people are involved in both the basic research and the applied technology development, for example the experimental demonstration of
electromagnetically induced transparency by
S. E. Harris and of
slow light by Harris and
Lene Vestergaard Hau.