PHYS 461 - Atomic Physics

Units: 3
The quantum mechanical description of atomic structure and the interaction of atoms with external fields is explored. Topics of study include laser spectroscopy, resonant probing and manipulation of atoms, atom trapping and cooling, atomic collisions, molecular structure, and experimental methods.

Prerequisites: PHYS 126 or PHYS 137.
Possible Instructional Methods: On-ground.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Course Typically Offered: Variable Intermittently

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

construct the energy level diagrams of the fine and hyperfine structure of hydrogen and hydrogen-like atoms;
construct energy level diagrams for multi-electron atoms;
determine whether a transition is allowed or forbidden using angular momentum selection rules;
use the Einstein coefficients to calculate transition rates;
calculate the energy spectra for hydrogen using Schrodinger’s equation and the Hamiltonian formulation.