Precision metrology and quantum measurement often demand matter be preparedin well defined quantum states for both internal and external degrees offreedom. Laser-cooled neutral atoms localized in a deeply confining opticalpotential satisfy this requirement. With an appropriate choice of wavelengthand polarization for the optical trap, two electronic states of an atom canexperience the same trapping potential, permitting coherent control ofelectronic transitions independent of the atomic center-of-mass motion. Wereview a number of recent experiments that use this approach to investigateprecision quantum metrology for optical atomic clocks and coherent control ofoptical interactions of single atoms and photons within the context of cavityquantum electrodynamics. We also provide a brief survey of promising prospectsfor future work.
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