I'm teaching Quantum Optics again this term, talking about the interaction between light and matter in circumstances where you need to account for the quantum nature of one or both of those. We're starting on the actual interactions today, albeit with a semi-classical approach (Einstein coefficients and the Fermi Golden Rule), but we've just finished a whirlwind review of quantum mechanics, including a rapid survey of the different effects that determine atomic energy levels, and some of the ways we have to move those around.
This suggests a really dorky idea for a poll, so:
Although these are quantum effects, the blog software is still classical, so you have to choose only one.
Lamb Shift.
The Lamb Shift, definitely. One of the most important steps in the development of QED, though it was beyond the scope of my Quantum Optics class.
But the Lamb shift is already 'built in' to the atom, rather than being something we can turn on and off, which I think is what Chad's aiming for.
Placing the atom in a cavity, to change the density of photon state around it and thus the magnitude of radiative corrections (like the Lamb shift) to the energy.
Since a good point of my research involves using or designing around the quantum confined Stark Effect, I'm going with that. Also because putting "quantum confined" in front of anything just cranks up the coolness factor.
I'm going with the Stark Effect, cause it's named after Tony Stark & he has that kewl red/gold suit thingee. Plus I have a man crush on Robert Downey Jr.
Wha??? That's not it?