Radiative processes in atomic physics

Much of the material that is essential to the development of a complete understanding of radiative processes in atomic physics is not to be found in the standard atomic physics textbooks. This remarkable volume breaks new ground on two fronts: It provides a comprehensive description of the contemporary treatment of radiative processes in atoms; and it presents this material in a useful and engaging format—a succession of problems. The problem-and-solution method has the advantage of making particularly clear precisely the topic being developed, as well as providing a strong focus on the basic principles and tools available for the solution of the problems. In the process of presenting a logically evolving series of problems, it is possible to provide an understanding of the subject matter at the level of current research. Although it is assumed that the reader is familiar with quantum mechanics, a set of appendices provides an overview of the principles used most often in the treatment of radiative problems in atomic and molecular physics. Basic tools of the quantum treatment of angular momentum, including rotation functions, Clebsch-Gordan coefficients, and the Wigner 3j and 6j symbols are reviewed. There are summaries of aids to calculation in atomic physics, such as the density matrix method and fractional parentage coefficients. Two sections are devoted to quantities that arise in strong-field, nonperturbative problems. This essential reference work and advanced textbook is best suited for graduate students and researchers in the fields of quantum mechanics, atomic and molecular physics, plasma physics, laser physics, and synchrotron light-source applications. A timely treatment of an important topic —a useful and engaging format Radiative Processes in Atomic Physics offers advanced students and researchers an up-to-date quantum treatment of the interaction of atoms with electromagnetic radiation. Problems and solutions are used to develop concepts, terminology, and the principal results of the quantum theory of radiative processes in atoms. Among the concepts covered in this advanced textbook and reference are: Radiative transitions between discrete states in atomic systems Atomic photoprocesses involving free particles Coherent phenomena in radiative transitions Extensive treatment of line-broadening mechanisms Atoms in strong fields Theory of angular momentum, including rotation functions, Clebsch-Gordan coefficients, and the Wigner 3j and 6j symbols; fractional parentage coefficients; density matrices; atomic units; and nonperturbative measures of intensity