Atomic optics

Similar to the photons (particles of light), and atom is simultaneously a wave and a corpuscule. Since optics depend on the wave properties of light, one could ask if it was possible to imagine the existence of optical elements concerning the atoms. Could we realise microscopes or interferometers in which the light waves are replaced by atoms? If the concept of exploration of the waves properties of atoms is relatively old, the physicists could not prove it in form of experience until very recently. These advances open new perspectives to the researchers, of experiences designated to test some principles of physics until the realisation of instruments of high precise measurement.(author). 13 refs., 5 figs