Jordan University of Science and Technology
Faculty of Science
Department of Applied Physics
Second Semester 2007-2008
Course Information
Course Title
Atomic Physics
Course Number
Phys. 440
Prerequisites
Phys. 351
Course Website
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Instructor
Hasan Al-Khateeb
Office Location
PH3 Level 1
Office Phone
23431
Office Hours
Sun, Tues, Thurs: 11-12 or by appointment
E-mail
hkhateeb@just.edu.jo
Teaching Assistant
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Course Description
This course is a graduate course in atomic physics. It concerns to apply approximation methods (such
as time dependent, time-independent perturbation theory) to many pertubed problems in quantum
mechanics as well as in atomic physics. Examples of these problems: interaction of one-electron atoms
in electric and magnetic fields, interaction of one-electron atoms with electromagnetic radiation.
Studying the transition rate and the selection rules as well as the spectrum for one-electron atoms.
Title
Text Book
Physics of atoms and Molecules Scientists & Engineers
Author(s)
B. H. Bransden and C. J. Joachain
Publisher
Longman Scientific & Technical
Year
1983
Edition
----------------
Book Website
References
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Atomic Physics by G. P. Harnwell and W. E. Stephens.
Atoms and Molecules by M. Weissbluth.
Quantum Mechanics by E. Merzbacher.
Quantum Mechanics by A. S. Davydov.
Quantum Mechanics by S. Gasiorowicz.
Assessment Policy
Assessment Type
Expected Due Date
Weight
First Exam
18/3/2008
25%
Second Exam
29/4/2008
25%
Final Exam
Final week Exam
40%
Assignments
Homework & Quizzes
10%
Course Objectives
Weights
Applying perturbation theory to many perturbed problems in quantum mechanics as
well as atomic physics.
70%
Using perturbation theory to study two-electron atoms
10%
Studying many-electrons atoms
10%
Studying the atomic collisions
10%
Useful Resources
Course Content
Week
1
Topics
Chapter in Text (sections)
Review of Quantum Mechanics:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The Schrodinger Equation.
The Simple Harmonic Oscillator.
Angular Momentum.
The Hydrogen Atom.
2.2, 2.5, 3.1-3.3
2+3+4
Approximation Methods:
1. Time-Independent RayleighSchrodinger Perturbation Theory.
2. Time-Dependent Rayleigh-Schrodinger
Perturbation Theory.
2.8, also see Ch. 8 & 9 in
quantum Mechanic by
Bransden and Joachain
5+6+7
Interaction with Electromagnetic Radiation
1. The Electromagnetic Fields.
2. Transition Rates.
3. The Dipole Approximation.
4. The Einstein Coefficients.
5. Selection Rules.
6. Line Intensities.
4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5, 4.6
8+9+10
Interaction with External Electric and
Magnetic fields and Fine Structure
1. The Strak Effect.
2. The Zeeman Effect.
3. Fine Structure of Hydrogen Atoms.
4. The Lamb Shift
5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4
11+12
Two-Electron Atoms
1. The Schrodinger Equation of TwoElectron Atoms.
2. Spin Wave Function and Pauli
Exclusion Principle.
3. The Ground State of Two-Electron
Atoms.
4. The Excited State of Two-Electron
Atoms.
13+14
Many-Electron Atoms
1. The General Field Approximation.
2. The Periodic System of the
Elements.
3. Correction to the central field
6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6
7.1, 7.2, 7.5
approximation and L-S coupling and
j-j coupling.
15+16
Atomic Collisions: basic concepts and
potential
1. Type of collisions, channels,
thresholds and cross-sections.
2. Potential scattering, general
features.
3. The method of partial waves.
4. The Born approximation.
11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4
Additional Notes
Assignments
Homeworks
Exams
The final exam is a comprehensive exam.
Cheating is prohibited
According to the regulations of the university, there is a punishment to any student
tries to cheat in the exam.
Any student misses more than 10% of the lectures without accepted excuse will
fail the course.
Cheating
Attendance
Workload
Graded Exams
Participation
Laboratory
Projects