Radioactive atoms and molecules for nuclear science

Precise knowledge of the interaction between the atomic nucleus and the electrons that are bound to it allows the exploration of physical phenomena relevant to a wide range of energy scales.  Atoms and molecules containing nuclei with extreme proton-to-neutron ratios can be artificially created to enhance and study particular nuclear phenomena. Hence, precision measurements of these systems can offer unique and complementary insights into the properties of the atomic nucleus, nuclear matter, and the fundamental particles and forces of nature. In this colloquium, I will present recent highlights and perspectives from laser spectroscopy experiments of these exotic species.