Admission Requirements
Quantum Mechanics 1
Quantum Mechanics 2
Description
Atomic and molecular physics describes the structure of atoms and molecules on the basis of quantum mechanics. In the first part of the course, we build up simple atoms and discuss their interactions with electromagnetic fields. The second part is devoted to diatomic molecules, their electronic states, vibrations and rotations, their spectra, and a short discussion of polyatomic molecules. In a third part, we model an atom, a molecule or a spin as a two-level system interacting with an electromagnetic wave. This simple model is the conceptual basis of magnetic resonance and of coherent optics.
Topics:
Hydrogen and helium atoms
Aufbau principle, LS coupling
Optical transitions and Zeeman effect
Diatomic molecules: electronic structure
Molecular vibrations and rotations
Polyatomic molecules
Bloch equations for a two-level system
Applications
Course Objectives
Understand the electronic structure of atoms and molecules, and how these will interact with electromagnetic waves. Establish the principles of magnetic resonance and coherent optics.
Timetable
Mode of instruction
Lectures and working classes
Assessment method
Test at mid-course, on atomic physics only
Examination at the end of the course on the three parts above
The test grade t will be taken into account together with the examination grade T in the final grade C according to the following formulae:
for T ≥ t : C = T
for T < t : C = T + (t-T)/4.
This procedure does not apply for second-chance examinations
Blackboard
Offers syllabus, former exams with corrections
More information will be available on Blackboard (which requires a ULCN account) Blackboard UL
Reading list
Physics of Atoms and Molecules, Bransden and Joachain (Prentice Hall)
Syllabus to be found on Blackboard
Contact
Contact details lecturer: Prof.dr. M. Orrit (Michel)