Atomic and Molecular Physics

About this programme

The course aims to provide basic knowledge about the structure of atoms and molecules. The systems will be treated with a gradually increasing degree of complexity. The hydrogen atom is treated first, then helium, alkali atoms and other atoms. A concrete application of interference counts, and of quantum mechanics in general, is given as the treatment proceeds from the central field approximation, and gradually introduces angular momentum, spin, spin-orbit interaction, nuclear effects and influence of external fields. Diatomic molecules are then considered. Binding mechanisms such as ionic and covalent bonding are introduced using quantum mechanics. Vibration and rotation structures are reviewed. The Born-Oppenheimer approximation is reviewed. The course concludes with complicated polyatomic molecules. Atomic and molecular physics, along with spectroscopic analysis methods, have a wide range of applications. This includes basic measurement techniques, important in e.g. science, environment and infrastructure. To fulfil the goals of knowledge and understanding, the student should be able to: The teaching is conducted in the form of lectures, problem solving sessions, and supervision during laboratory work. The exam on the course theory part is done individually in the form of a written exam at the end of the course. For the written examination one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG) will be set. The examination on the course's computer lab module is done individually through written reports and oral presentations. On the written reports and ora