Theoretical Atomic Spectroscopy

After a brief review of quantum mechanics and a summary of conventional atomic theory, H. Friedrich discusses the structure of atomic spectra on the basis of quantum defect theory, which is treated for the first time at such a basic level in a textbook. Special attention is given to highly excited states and to the influence of external fields, which can cause intricate and interesting effects in seemingly simple systems. After a chapter on reaction theory the final chapter treats special topics such as multiphoton absorption and chaos. The book contains the kind of advanced quantum mechanics needed for practical applications in modern atomic physics. The presentation is kept deliberately simple and avoids abstract formalism as far as possible.

The standard comprehensive work on the theory of atomic spectra. "...a work of the first rank...." Nature

This monograph presents a complete guide to the theory of modern spectroscopy of atoms. Atomic spectroscopy continues to be one of the most important subjects of contemporary physics. The book describes the contemporary state of the theory of many-electron atoms and ions, the peculiarities of their structure and spectra, the processes of their interaction with radiation, and some of the applications of atomic spectroscopy. It contains a large number of new results, which have been published mainly in Russian and are therefore almost unknown to western scientists. Primarily a reference for researchers and graduate students in atomic physics and physical chemistry, this work will also be of value to physicists and chemists in other areas who use spectroscopy in their work.

Both the interpretation of atomic spectra and the application of atomic spectroscopy to current problems in astrophysics, laser physics, and thermonuclear plasmas require a thorough knowledge of the Slater-Condon theory of atomic structure and spectra. This book gathers together aspects of the theory that are widely scattered in the literature and augments them to produce a coherent set of closed-form equations suitable both for computer calculations on cases of arbitrary complexity and for hand calculations for very simple cases.

Introduction to the Theory of Atomic Spectra is a systematic presentation of the theory of atomic spectra based on the modern system of the theory of angular momentum. Many questions which are of interest from the point of view of using spectroscopic methods for investigating various physical phenomena, including continuous spectrum radiation, excitation of atoms, and spectral line broadening, are discussed. This volume consists of 11 chapters organized into three sections. After a summary of elementary information on atomic spectra, including the hydrogen spectrum and the spectra of multi-electron atoms, the reader is methodically introduced to angular momentum, systematics of the levels of multi-electron atoms, and hyperfine structure of spectral lines. Relativistic corrections are also given consideration, with particular reference to the use of the Dirac equation to determine the stationary states of an electron in an arbitrary electromagnetic field. In addition, the book explores the Stark effect and the Zeeman effect, the interaction between atoms and an electromagnetic field, and broadening of spectral lines. The final chapter is devoted to the problem of atomic excitation by collisions. This book is intended for advanced-course university students, postgraduate students and scientists working on spectroscopy and spectral analysis, and also in the field of theoretical physics.

This book describes the basic physical principles of atomic spectroscopy and the absorption and emission of radiation in astrophysical and laboratory plasmas. It summarizes the basics of electromagnetism and thermodynamics and then describes in detail the theory of atomic spectra for complex atoms, with emphasis on astrophysical applications. Both equilibrium and non-equilibrium phenomena in plasmas are considered. The interaction between radiation and matter is described, together with various types of radiation (e.g., cyclotron, synchrotron, bremsstrahlung, Compton). The basic theory of polarization is explained, as is the theory of radiative transfer for astrophysical applications. Atomic Spectroscopy and Radiative Processes bridges the gap between basic books on atomic spectroscopy and the very specialized publications for the advanced researcher: it will provide under- and postgraduates with a clear in-depth description of theoretical aspects, supported by practical examples of applications.

The book includes various spectroscopic techniques including atomic spectroscopy, pure rotational spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy of diatomic and polyatomic molecules, Raman spectroscopy and electronic spectroscopy. Solved and unsolved exercises are provided throughout the book for easy understanding and better assessment.

Both the interpretation of atomic spectra and the application of atomic spectroscopy to current problems in astrophysics, laser physics, and thermonuclear plasmas require a thorough knowledge of the Slater-Condon theory of atomic structure and spectra. This book gathers together aspects of the theory that are widely scattered in the literature and augments them to produce a coherent set of closed-form equations suitable both for computer calculations on cases of arbitrary complexity and for hand calculations for very simple cases.