TY - JOUR A1 - Westbrook, N. A1 - Henkel, Carsten A1 - Westbrook, C. I. A1 - Landragin, A. A1 - Labeyrie, G. A1 - Cognet, L. A1 - Savalli, V. A1 - Horvath, G. A1 - Aspect, Alain A1 - Moelmer, Klaus A1 - Courtois, J.-Y. A1 - Phillips, W. D. A1 - Kaiser, Rolf A1 - Bagnato, V. T1 - New physics with evanescent wave atomic mirrors : the van der Waals force and atomic diffraction N2 - After a brief introduction to the field of atom optics and to atomic mirrors, we present experimental results obtained in our group during the last two years while studying the reflection of rubidium atoms by an evanescent wave. These involve the first measurement of the van der Waals force between an atom in its ground state and a dielectric wall, as well as the demonstration of a reflection grating for atoms at normal incidence. We also consider the influence of quantum reflection and tunnelling phenomena. Further studies using the atomic mirror as a probe of the van der Waals interaction, and of very small surface roughness are briefly discussed. Y1 - 1998 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Henkel, Carsten A1 - Wallis, H. A1 - Westbrook, N. A1 - Aspect, Alain A1 - Sengstock, K. A1 - Ertmer, W. T1 - Theory of atomic diffraction from evanescent waves N2 - We review recent theoretical models and experiments dealing with the diffraction of neutral atoms by a reflection grating, formed by a standing evanescent wave. We analyze diffraction mechanisms proposed for confront the theory with experiment. Y1 - 1999 ER -