Atomic and Molecular Physics [SPHYB302]

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.