The Atomic and Molecular Physics Laboratories (AMPL) is one of nine research departments which form the Research School of Physics and Engineering at the Australian National University. AMPL are engaged in a broad range of experimental, theoretical and computational studies of the interaction of electrons, positrons, and photons with atoms, molecules and solids, in order both to further our knowledge of fundamental physical and chemical processes, and to provide essential information that is critical to applications in other scientific disciplines, technology, and the environment. Three major research areas are undertaken at the laboratories: Photons, Electrons/Positrons and Quantum-Atom Optics.

The Laboratories also host two Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence:

the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Quantum-Atom Optics (ACQAO), which plays a leading role in the study of the quantum properties of Bose-Einstein condensates and atom lasers via insights gained from quantum optics; and

the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Antimatter-Matter Studies (CAMS), whose experimental and theoretical program is based around the study of the interaction of electrons and positrons with matter.