Atomic Physics

Christopher J. Foot9780198506959, 0198506953, 0198506961

Primarily intending this volume to serve as a textbook for an undergraduate course in atomic physics, Foot (physics, U. of Oxford, UK) covers core material and a few more advanced topics illustrating current research. After reviewing classical ideas, he presents the basic principles of atomic structure, largely in reference to hydrogen and helium. He then covers the interaction of radiation with atoms; transitioning from issues of structure to the topics of laser spectroscopy, laser cooling, Bose-Einstein condensation of dilute atomic vapors, matter-wave interferometry, and ion trapping. The more advanced topics concentrate on low-energy and high-energy precision experiments that are used as examples in undergraduate lectures at Oxford. The text assumes knowledge of quantum mechanics equivalent to an introductory undergraduate course.