We review distinctive experimental techniques that rely on coherent transient effects, optical lattices, and atom interferometry that have realized varied applications including precise measurements of atomic lifetimes, masses of dielectric particles, atomic diffusion, centre of mass velocity, and gravitational acceleration. We show that the two-pulse photon echo technique is capable of realizing a precise determination of the Rb 5P_{3/2} excited state lifetime. We describe time domain techniques that track the motion of dielectric microparticles confined by free space optical tweezers and measure particle masses with a sensitivity of 10^{-16} kg. We detect the motion of Rb optical lattices in a buffer gas environment to obtain comprehensive measurements of atomic diffusion. Comparisons with theoretical calculations suggest the basis for a quantum pressure sensor capable of calibrating commercial pressure gauges. We outline a frequency domain technique for the realization of state-of-the-art velocimeters using laser cooled atoms. Finally, we review recent results from a frequency domain echo atom interferometer that uses ultracold rubidium atoms channelled into an optical lattice to realize a gravimeter. All these experiments have relied on low cost, homebuilt, diode laser systems.

*Work supported by CFI, OIT, NSERC, OCE, The Helen Freedhoff Memorial Fund and York University