Atomic Sensors - A Review

We discuss the basic physics and instrumentation issues related to high-performance physical and inertial sensors based on atomic spectroscopy. Recent work on atomic magnetometers, NMR gyroscopes, and atom interferometers is reviewed, with a focus on precision sensing of electromagnetic and gravitational fields and inertial motion. Atomic sensors have growing relevance to many facets of modern science and technology, from understanding the human brain to enabling precision navigation of moving platforms.