The Physics Of Atoms And Quanta

The highly positive affirmation and wide reception that this book continues to receive from professors and students ahke is the occasion for this 7th edition. Once again we have included a number of valuable suggestions for improvements, which we address as appropriate. In addition, we refer to a number of developments in atomic physics. Of these new developments in regard to exotic atoms, we mention antihydrogen in par ticular, because fundamental experiments in matter and antimatter can be expected in the future. Furthermore, we have inserted a chapter on the behaviour of atoms in strong elec trical fields. Experiments with corresponding lasers could only recently be realized. We thank our Jenaer colleague, R. Sauerbrey, for his contribution of this chapter. We have also included a new chapter on the behaviour of the hydrogen atom in strong magnetic fields. The results are of profound interest for two very different fields of physics: on the one hand, according to classical physics, one expects chaotic behaviour from Rydberg atoms in magnetic fields that can be created in the laborato ry; thus, an association can be drawn to aspects of chaos theory and the problems of quantum chaos. On the other hand, the very strong fields necessary for low quantum numbers are realized in the cosmos, in particular with white dwarfs and neutron stars.

The second edition of this book again enjoyed a very positive reception from both uni versity teachers and students. In this edition we have removed all of the typographical errors that came to our attention. In order to keep the book as current as possible, new developments in the direct observation of individual atoms in electromagnetic traps (Paul traps) and of atoms in molecules on solid surfaces using the scanning tunnel microscope have been added to this edition. Furthermore, new experiments in atomic interferometry have been included; they have become possible by making use of modern microstructure technology. Finally, the possibility of cooling atomic beams using laser radiation has taken on increasing impor tance; therefore we have treated this subject as well. This third English Edition cor responds to a future Fifth German Edition. We again thank all those colleagues and students who have pointed out to us errors in previous editions. It is a pleasure for us to thank again Springer-Verlag, in particular Dr. H. Latsch, Dr. H. J. Kolsch and C.-D. Bachem for their always excellent cooperation.

The sixth edition includes new developments, as well as new experiments in quantum entanglement, Schrödingers cat, the quantum computer, quantum information, the atom laser, and much more. Many experiments and problems are included.

The third edition had already been enlarged by the inclusion of new developments such as the direct observation of individual atoms in Paul traps, and of atoms in molecules on solid surfaces using the scanning tunneling microscope. Furthermore, new experiments in atomic interferometry and the possibility of laser cooling of atomic beams were added. The fourth English edition takes minor corrections and additions into account and remains a unique introduction to both experiments and theory of the physics of atoms and quanta. The student will find 160 problems and their solutions, making this book a real study text.

Atomic physics and its underlying quantum theory are the point of departure for many modern areas of physics, astrophysics, chemistry, biology, and even electrical engineering. This textbook provides a careful and eminently readable introduction to the results and methods of empirical atomic physics. The student will acquire the tools of quantum physics and at the same time learn about the interplay between experiment and theory. A chapter on the quantum theory of the chemical bond provides the reader with an introduction to molecular physics. Plenty of problems are given to elucidate the material. The authors also discuss laser physics and nonlinear spectroscopy, incorporating latest experimental results and showing their relevance to basic research. Extra items in the second edition include solutions to the exercises, derivations of the relativistic Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations, a detailed theoretical derivation of the Lamb shift, a discussion of new developments in the spectroscopy of inner shells, and new applications of NMR spectroscopy, for instance tomography.

The Physics of Atoms and Quanta is a thorough introduction to experiments and theory in this field. Every classical and modern aspect is covered and discussed in detail. The sixth edition includes new developments, as well as new experiments in quantum entanglement, Schrodingers cat, the quantum computer, quantum information, the atom laser, and much more. A wealth of experiments and problems are included. As this reference ends with the fundamentals of classical bonding, it leads into the authors' more advanced book Molecular Physics and Elements of Quantum Chemistry.

This fourth edition contains a few additional figures. Otherwise only typographical er rors have been removed. The final chapter on Fundamentals of the Quantum Theory of Chemical Bonding is continued in an extended way in the textbook Molecular Physics and Elements of Quantum Chemistry by the same authors. This book contains, in particular, a profound presentation of group theory as applied to atoms and molecules. Furthermore, the in teraction between atoms and molecules and light is treated in detail. We thank again Springer-Verlag, in particular Dr. H.1. Kblsch and Mr. C.-D. Bachem for their excellent cooperation as always, and Prof. W. D. Brewer for his con tinuous support in translating our German text. Stuttgart, February 1994 H. Haken H. C. Wolf Preface to the Third Edition The second edition of this book again enjoyed a very positive reception from both uni versity teachers and students. In this edition we have removed all of the typographical errors that came to our attention. In order to keep the book as current as possible, new developments in the direct observation of individual atoms in electromagnetic traps (Paul traps) and of atoms in molecules on solid surfaces using the scanning tunnel microscope have been added to this edition.

This textbook introduces the molecular and quantum chemistry needed to understand the physical properties of molecules and their chemical bonds. It follows the authors' earlier textbook "The Physics of Atoms and Quanta" and presents both experimental and theoretical fundamentals for students in physics and physical and theoretical chemistry. The new edition treats new developments in areas such as high-resolution two-photon spectroscopy, ultrashort pulse spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy, optical investigation of single molecules in condensed phase, electroluminescence, and light-emitting diodes.