A Student's Guide to Atomic Physics (Student's Guides) - Hardcover

Fox, Mark

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1107188733 ISBN 13: 9781107188730

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2018

Synopsis

This concise and accessible book provides a detailed introduction to the fundamental principles of atomic physics at an undergraduate level. Concepts are explained in an intuitive way and the book assumes only a basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. With a compact format specifically designed for students, the first part of the book covers the key principles of the subject, including the quantum theory of the hydrogen atom, radiative transitions, the shell model of multi-electron atoms, spin-orbit coupling, and the effects of external fields. The second part provides an introduction to the four key applications of atomic physics: lasers, cold atoms, solid-state spectroscopy and astrophysics. This highly pedagogical text includes worked examples and end of chapter problems to allow students to test their knowledge, as well as numerous diagrams of key concepts, making it perfect for undergraduate students looking for a succinct primer on the concepts and applications of atomic physics.

About this title

Review

'Today a thorough understanding of atomic and molecular physics is surely a prerequisite for a career in astrophysics, especially now that the entire electromagnetic spectrum of many astronomical objects may be open to quantitative examination. Given the need for a sound understanding, the question becomes, how are students to develop a serious interest in atomic and molecular physics? This book by Mark Fox deserves consideration for an atomic-physics course taken by physics (and other) students in the second half of their undergraduate career ... I welcome this book for its clear exposition of the basic ideas on atomic structure and spectra. ... The health of spectroscopic astrophysics demands that young bright minds are brought into the field in every generation. Texts like that by Mark Fox have a crucial role to play in this context.' David L. Lambert, The Observatory

Book Description

A concise introduction to the fundamental concepts of atomic physics at an undergraduate level, including worked examples and problems, and many detailed illustrations of key concepts. The first part of the book discusses in depth the underlying principles of atomic physics, and the second part covers applications.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1107188733
• ISBN 13: 9781107188730
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 292