Atoms, Molecules and Photons: An Introduction to Atomic-, Molecular- and Quantum Physics

Description

This introduction to Atomic and Molecular Physics explains how our present model of atoms and molecules has been developed over the last two centuries both by many experimental discoveries and, from the theoretical side, by the introduction of quantum physics to the adequate description of micro-particles. It illustrates the wave model of particles by many examples and shows the limits of classical description. The interaction of electromagnetic radiation with atoms and molecules and its potential for spectroscopy is outlined in more detail and in particular lasers as modern spectroscopic tools are discussed more thoroughly. Many examples and problems with solutions are offered to encourage readers to actively engage in applying and adapting the fundamental physics presented in this textbook to specific situations. Completely revised third edition with new sections covering all actual developments, like photonics, ultrashort lasers, ultraprecise frequency combs, free electron lasers, cooling and trapping of atoms, quantum optics and quantum information. Front Matter ....Pages i-xviii Introduction (Wolfgang Demtröder)....Pages 1-5 The Concept of the Atom (Wolfgang Demtröder)....Pages 7-74 Development of Quantum Physics (Wolfgang Demtröder)....Pages 75-118 Basic Concepts of Quantum Mechanics (Wolfgang Demtröder)....Pages 119-145 The Hydrogen Atom (Wolfgang Demtröder)....Pages 147-185 Atoms with More Than One Electron (Wolfgang Demtröder)....Pages 187-228 Emission and Absorption of Electromagnetic Radiation by Atoms (Wolfgang Demtröder)....Pages 229-268 Lasers (Wolfgang Demtröder)....Pages 269-304 Diatomic Molecules (Wolfgang Demtröder)....Pages 305-355 Polyatomic Molecules (Wolfgang Demtröder)....Pages 357-391 Experimental Techniques in Atomic and Molecular Physics (Wolfgang Demtröder)....Pages 393-452 Modern Developments in Atomic and Molecular Physics (Wolfgang Demtröder)....Pages 453-485 Back Matter ....Pages 487-551