PH- 714 Atomic Physics

1. One-electron atoms: Energy levels and wavefunctions of hydrogen atom. Fine and Hyperfine Structure. Extension to other single valence electron atoms
2. Two-electron atoms. Helium atom. Independent particle model. Energy level structure, Configuration interaction, Doubly excited states and inner-shell excitations. Many electron atoms. Autoionization. Fano’s description for an isolated autoionizing resonance.
3. Multi-channel Quantum Defect Theory. Multi-channel Quantum Defect Theory (Cooke and Cromer approach). Interaction between two closed channels, one open and one closed channels. Photoionization cross sections.
4. Angular Momentum. Angular Momentum Coupling Schemes (LS, LK, jK and jj), Spherical Tensor Operators. Angular Momentum Algebra (3j, 6j and 9j symbols), Wigner Eckart Theorem.
5. Atoms in External fields:
   Hydrogen Atom in electric field (spherical and parabolic states, energy levels, field ionization). Nonhydrogenic atoms (Quantum defects and energy levels, avoided crossings and “classical’ ionization. Landau Zener Effect and pulsed field ionization).
   Magnetic Fields (Classical Methods of Coherent Spectroscopy: RF resonance spectroscopy, level crossing spectroscopy, Anti-crossing spectroscopy, Quantum Beats and wave packets).
6. Atoms in Intense radiation fields.
   Multiphoton Absorption, Above threshold Ionization; High Harmonic Generation
7. Laser Cooling and Trapping.
   Doppler Cooling; Optical molasses and traps; Sub Doppler Cooling

Text books Recommended:

• Atomic Physics by C.J. Foot, 1st Edition (Oxford University Press) 2005.
• Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy, by S. Svanberg. 4th. Ed. (Springer) 2004
• Spectra of Atoms and Molecules, by P.F. Bernath, 2nd. Ed. (Oxford), 2005
• Physics of Atoms and Molecules, by Bransden and Joachain, (Longman), 1985
• Atomic Spectroscopy, by Heckmann and Trabert (Springer), 1995
• Laser Spectroscopy, by W. Demtroeder (Springer), 2004
• Rydberg Atoms by T.F. Gallagher, (Cambridge Uni. Press), 1994
• Highly Excited Atoms, by J.P. Connerade, (Cambridge Uni. Press), 1998