BRYN MAWR COLLEGE

Department of Physics

Physics 622: Atomic and Molecular Physics

Instructor: Elizabeth McCormack

Class Meetings: T TH 9:10 – 10:30 AM, PSC 339

E-mail: emccorma@brynmawr.edu

Office: Park 345

Office Hours: M 10 AM – 12 PM

T 11 AM – 12 PM

Overview: In this course we will study topics in atomic and molecular structure and dynamics at the advanced level. In addition to examining the physics of atoms and molecules and their interaction with radiation, there will be opportunities to focus on applications relevant to ongoing research programs at Bryn Mawr and to explore new developments in the field.

The textbook we will use for the course, Atom, Molecules and Photons: An Introduction to Atomic, Molecular and Quantum Physics by W. Demtroder is available on line. The text will be supplemented with journal articles and excerpts from various other texts.

Course Structure: We will meet twice a week in a seminar format. Both the instructor and students will contribute to the presentation and discussion of the course material. Problem sets will be assigned and each student will complete a project and final presentation modeling the process of identifying a promising research area, developing specific research ideas, and preparing a research proposal.

Enrollment: The course is open to all physics graduate students and those undergraduates who have successfully completed P302: Advanced Quantum Mechanics or the equivalent.

Course Outline: Below is sketched an outline for the 13 weeks of class time we will have during the semester.

Part I:

Basics of quantum physics and mechanics: 2 wks

The hydrogen atom: 1 wk

Multi-electron atoms: 1wk

Emission and absorption of electromagnetic radiation: 2 wks

Fundamentals of lasers: 1wk

Diatomic molecules: 1wk

Part II:

Experimental techniques in atomic and molecular physics: 3wks

Modern developments in atomic and molecular physics: 3wks