Quantum physics with ultracold atoms

Full text: Laser and evaporative cooling of atomic assemblies has opened the way to spectacular manifestations of quantum mechanics. This tutorial talk will present the basic ideas of this novel domain of research, and it will give some illustrative applications of these concepts. It will first cover 'single atom aspects' of the field such as atom interferometry, which leads to very exciting tests of quantum mechanics as well as to the realization of ultra-sensitive space time sensors. It will then focus on the collective features of ultracold gases, and it will review in particular some key features of the physics of Bose-Einstein condensates. (author)