Course 2022-2023

Atomic and Molecular Physics [SPHYB302]

  • 4 credits
  • 30h+15h
  • 2nd quarter
Language of instruction: French / Français
Teacher: Lepere Muriel

Learning outcomes

As part of the "General Physics" course, using historical and experimental approaches, the course intends to introduce the students to the theories of the electronic structure of atoms, and of the electronic - vibrational and rotational properties of diatomic molecules. The course rests on numerous concepts and demonstrations of Quantum Mechanics.

Content

Atomic physics

- hydrogen atom & hydrogenoids/ gross electronic structure - atoms with many electrons / electronic fine structure * Stern & Gerlach experiment / spin / Pauli principle * central field approximation / 'aufbau principle' * L-S and J-J couplings / Zeeman and Stark effects - hyperfine structure

Molecular physics (diatomic molecules)

- electronic structure (LCAO & Valence Bond) - rotational and vibrational structure and coupling thereof

Table of contents

Atomic Physics

1 Instroduction

2 Atom with one electron

3 Stern-Gerlach's experience

4 Fine structure

5 Atom in an external magnetic field

6 Atom in an external electric field

7 Hyperfine structure

Molecular Physics

1 Rotational spectroscopy

2 Vibrational spectroscopy

3 Electronic spectroscopy

Exercises description

Exercices are proposed in order to better grasp concepts and orders of magnitude; they cover the different parts of the course.


Prerequisites

Chimie générale [SCHIB111] et Mécanique quantique I [SPHYB206]

Co-requisites

Electrodynamique I [SPHYB209]

Teaching methods

The oral presentation is strenghtened by practicals where the students are invited to apply general formula to concrete cases.

Evaluations

Oral exam. Each student receives two questions relating to the two parts (atomic and molecular). After one hour of preparation, he orally presents his answers. The note will take into account the physical approach, scientific argument and clarity of the presentation.

A one-hour written exam assesses the exercices and takes place on the same day as the oral exam.

Recommended readings

- Syllabus of the course (French!)

-Spectroscopie atomique, Emile Biémont, Ed de Boek , 2006

-Spectropscopie moléculaire, Emile Biémont, Ed de Boek, 2008

-Basic Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy, J.M. Hollas, Royal Soc Chem 2002

-Mécanique quantique (3è édition) J. Hladik et al, Dunod, 2009

Language of instruction

French / Français

Location for course

NAMUR

Organizer

Faculté des sciences
Rue de Bruxelles, 61
5000 NAMUR

Degree of Reference

Undergraduate Degree