Atomic, molecular physics and optics
Summary
This course presents the fundamental physics of atoms and molecules, their structure and their interaction with electromagnetic fields.
Content
- Hydrogen atom (reminders and complements)
- Fine and hyperfine structure of the hydrogen atom
- Hydrogen atoms in external fields, vector and tensor operators
- Alkali and Rydberg atoms
- Heliun and two-electron atoms
- Many-electron atoms and the periodic table
- Atoms interacting with light
- Light propagation
- Elementary principles of the laser
- Chemical bonding in molecules
- Electronic and vibrational spectra of molecules
- Elements of organic chemistry - building blocks of life
- Elements of inorganic chemistry - crystalline materials
- From molecules to nanostructures
Keywords
Atoms, Molecules, Optics
Learning Prerequisites
Required courses
Quantum Mechanics I and II, Classical electrodynamics
Recommended courses
Optics and photonics, Chemistry
Important concepts to start the course
Fundamentals of quantum mechanics, angular momentum, perturbation theory, dipoles and multipoles, dipolar radiation, chemical bonding, molecular structure
Learning Outcomes
- Analyze the structure of simple atoms and molecules
- Use quantum mechanics to solve problems of atomic physics
- Interpret observations in atomic, molecular and optica physics
- Apply quantum mechanics and classical electrodynamics to light-matter interactions problem
Transversal skills
- Continue to work through difficulties or initial failure to find optimal solutions.
- Use both general and domain specific IT resources and tools
Teaching methods
Ex-Cathedra, prblem solving classes, numerical exercises
Expected student activities
Lecture participation, problem solving, numerical investigations
Assessment methods
Written exam
Resources
Bibliography
Atkins and Friedman, Molecular quantum mechanics
Brandsen and Joachain, Physics of atoms and molecules
Walraven, Atomic physics
Van der Straten and Metcalf, Atoms and molecules interacting with light
Ressources en bibliothèque
- Molecular quantum mechanics / Atkins
- Physics of atoms and molecules / Bransden
- Atoms and molecules interacting with light / Van der Straten
Références suggérées par la bibliothèque
Moodle Link
In the programs
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: Written (summer session)
- Subject examined: Atomic, molecular physics and optics
- Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: mandatory