Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
The book presents a new conceptual approach to atomic structure, suitable as a textbook for an introductory graduate course or as a resource for an undergraduate quantum mechanics course. It utilizes conceptual semiclassical models to introduce empirical systematizations of measured data. These transparently reveal the dynamical behavior of the various interactions that specify the energies and lifetimes of complex atoms. The historical basis of the field is emphasized, as is the relationship to modern fundamental theory. Many worked examples provide connections with astrophysics, chemistry, condensed matter, and other related fields.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction; 2. Classical position probability densities for periodic systems; 3. Semiempirical parametrization of energy level data; 4. The vector model of angular momentum; 5. The intermediate coupling model; 6. Electric dipole radiation; 7. Line strengths in two-valence electron systems; 8. Magnetic dipole transitions; 9. Absorption of radiation; 10. Time-resolved measurements; 11. Hyperfine structure; 12. Electrostatic polarizabilities and long range interactions; 13. Coherence and anisotropic excitation.