This second edition course text introduces the fundamental quantum physics of atoms and molecules. It is the first book in a series of three aiming to present a broad coverage of atomic, molecular, solid-state and statistical physics, and is well suited to accompany undergraduate courses in these topics.

This second edition course text introduces the fundamental quantum physics of atoms and molecules. With revised and extended content, this book is the first volume in a series of three aiming to present a broad coverage of atomic, molecular, solid-state and statistical physics. Divided into three parts, the first provides a historical perspective leading to the contemporary view of atomic and molecular physics, outlining the principles of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. The second covers the physical description of atoms and their interaction with radiation, whilst the third deals with molecular physics. The book’s pedagogical features include conceptual layout sections that define the goals of each chapter, a simplified but rigorous mathematical apparatus, and a thorough discussion of approximations used to develop the adopted physical models.

Key Features

• Fills a gap for a self-contained undergraduate textbook in atomic and molecular physics
• Is tailored for a one-semester course
• Focuses on a selected set of topics, whilst also providing substantial, in-depth coverage of the subject
• Emphasises phenomenology rather than mathematics/formalism
• Uses various pedagogical features, including end-of-chapter exercises with solutions

Part I Preliminary concepts

1 The overall picture

2 Essential quantum mechanics

Part II Atomic physics

3 One-electron atoms

4 Interaction of one-electron atoms with radiation

5 Multi-electron atoms

Part III Molecular physics

6 Molecules: general features

7 Molecular vibrations and rotations

8 Electronic structure of molecules

Part IV Concluding remarks

9 What is missing in this ‘Primer’

Part V Appendices

Appendix A: The formal solution of the Schrödinger equation

Appendix B: The spin–orbit interaction energy in hydrogenic atoms

Appendix C: The hyperfine structure in hydrogenic atoms

Appendix D: Nucleus finite-size correction

Appendix E: Boltzmann statistics

Appendix F: The ‘minimal coupling’ scheme

Appendix G: Screening effects in He atom

Appendix H: The Thomas–Fermi method

Appendix I: The formal proof of the Born–Oppenheimer approximation

Appendix J: The one-dimensional quantum harmonic oscillator