Applied Atomic and Molecular Physics - 615.715

This advanced elective course will emphasize the interaction of atoms and molecules with light, as appropriate for the modern laser era. Beginning with quasi-classical features of two-level atoms, we move on to atom-light interactions with selection rules and “forbidden transitions.” Internal structure of the atom will be treated with the theory of the Hydrogen-like atoms, including spin-orbit terms, and calculation of the fine structure and hyperfine structure using perturbation theory. Atoms in magnetic and electric fields. Beginning with helium, we will discuss multi-electron atoms, and introduce multi-electron approximation methods such as the Hartree-Fock self-consistent fields, LCAO (linear combination of atomic orbitals), and DFT (density functional theory). We will discuss vibrational and rotational spectra of simple molecules such as diatomics, and general properties of multi-atom molecules. Important time-dependent processes such as fluorescence decay, optical transitions, and collisions will be discussed. Finally, we will discuss experimentation and applications such as cesium atomic clocks, optical pumping, laser cooling and Bose-Einstein condensation. Where possible, practical examples will be chosen from atomic and molecular species of interest to atmospheric science and space science.

Course Prerequisite(s)

615.654 Quantum Mechanics (or equivalent) and 615.641 Mathematical Methods or similar. 615.642 Electromagnetics would be useful.