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

This introduction to Atomic and Molecular Physics explains how our present model of atoms and molecules has been developed during the last two centuries 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 should induce the reader to an intense active cooperation. 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 experimentation Introduction -- The Concept Of The Atom -- Development Of Quantum Physics -- Basic Concepts Of Quantum Mechanics -- The Hydrogen Atom -- Atoms With More Than One Electron -- Emission And Absorption Of Electromagnetic Radiation By Atoms -- Lasers -- Diatomic Molecules -- Polyatomic Molecules -- Experimental Techniques In Atomic And Molecular Physics -- Modern Developments In Atomic And Molecular Physics -- Chronological Table -- Solutions To Exercises. Wolfgang Demtröder. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [555]-562) And Index. "This textbook is aimed as an introduction to the microscopic world of atoms, molecules and photons. It illustrates how our knowledge about the microscopic structure of matter and radiation came about and which crucial experiments forced an extension and refinement of existing classical theories, culminating in the development of quantum theory, which is now accepted as the basic theory of atomic and molecular physics"--preface