Atomic physics techniques for studying nuclear ground state properties, fundamental interactions and symmetries: status and perspectives

The international workshop on Application of Lasers and Storage Devices in Atomic Nuclei Research held during 2009 in Poznan gave an excellent overview on the latest experimental and theoretical results regarding the investigation of radionuclides by atomic physics techniques and the extraction of ground state properties of exotic nuclei. This publication intends to summarize the progress recently achieved by laser spectroscopy and mass spectrometry as well as by weak interaction studies using atomic physics techniques. Furthermore, it tries to point to some areas requiring urgent improvements and to indicate some routes of future research and challenging opportunities.