NFYB13007U Introduction to Atomic Physics
BSc Programme in Physics
The course gives an introduction to the physics of atoms, their
structure, their spectra, and their response to external
electromagnetic fields, as relevant to students in physics,
chemistry, astronomy, geophysics, and biophysics. The course
addresses 2. and 3. year students and will enable students to
follow MSc-courses in quantum optics, atomic physics, laser
physics, quantum chemistry, etc..
Examples will be given of applications in astronomy, geophysics,
and biophysics. Visits to research laboratories and relevant
companies will be arranged.
Skills
A student who has attended the course Introduction to atomic
physics can:
- write down the Schrødinger equation for the hydrogen atom, outline the procedure for arriving at its solution, describe the solutions, explain the physical mechanisms responsible for fine structure, Lamb shift, and hyperfine structure, and describe the importance of the hydrogen atom in the development of physics.
- explain the principles for interaction between an atom and external electromagnetic fields, including selection rules and why they exist, and explain the interaction between an atom and external static fields as they materialise in Zeeman effect and Stark effect.
- explain how an understanding of the hydrogen atom leads to an understanding of two-electron atoms, many-electron atoms, and the principles leading to the periodic system of the elements.
- explain the origin of molecular bonds, the importance of the Born-Oppenheimer approximation, and how the internal degrees of freedom give rise to molecular spectra.
- describe important spectroscopic techniques, interpret the spectra of alkali atoms and simple molecules, explain the physical mechanisms behind the spectral line profiles, and discuss some important applications of spectroscopy.
Knowledge
The student will obtain knowledge on such topics as: the hydrogen
atom, radiation theory, relativistic effects, Zeeman and Stark
effect, Lambshift, hyperfine structure, two-electron systems,
alkali atoms, the Thomas-Fermi atomic model, the structure and
spectra of diatomic molecules.
Competences
The student learns to use the knowledge of e.g. quantum mechanics
gained in previous courses on atoms. Through this course, the
student gains the competences to pursue further studies within the
subject, e.g. more advanced courses or projects.
Se Absalon for endelig kursuslitteratur. Nedenstående er et eksempel på forventet undervisningsmateriale.
Christopher J. Foot: Atomic Physics, Oxford University Press (2005), supplemented by lecture notes
- Category
- Hours
- Exam
- 0,5
- Lectures
- 28
- Preparation
- 149,5
- Theory exercises
- 28
- Total
- 206,0
As
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Continuing Education - click here!
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examination, 25 minNo Preparation time.
- Aid
- Without aids
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Several internal examiners
- Re-exam
Samme som den ordinære eksamen.
Criteria for exam assesment
See Learning Outcome.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NFYB13007U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Bachelor
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 1
- Schedule
- C
- Course capacity
- No restriction to number of participants
- Continuing and further education
- Study board
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Course Coordinators
- Kasper Jensen (7-6e6d68717668714371656c316e7831676e)
Lecturers
Jörg Helge Müller muller@nbi.ku.dk