Astronomy-Inspired Atomic and Molecular Physics

A. R. P. Rau (auth.)9780306478208, 9781402004674, 1402004672

Aimed at senior undergraduate and first-year graduate students in departments of physics and astronomy, this textbook gives a systematic treatment of atomic and molecular structure and spectra, together with the effect of weak and strong external electromagnetic fields.
Topics chosen are those of interest in astronomy, and indeed many were inspired by specific astronomical contexts. Examples include the negative ion of hydrogen and the effects of strong magnetic fields such as those occurring on certain white dwarfs and neutron stars. Adiabatic and non-adiabatic handling of electron correlations and application to processes such as dielectronic recombination are included. Astronomical examples are provided throughout, as well as end-of-the-chapter problems and exercises. Over seventy illustrative diagrams complete this unique and comprehensive volume.

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Table of contents :
Atomic Structure….Pages 1-39
Coupling of Atoms to Radiation….Pages 41-67
Atoms in Weak, Static Fields….Pages 69-86
Atoms in Strong Magnetic Fields….Pages 87-134
Electron Correlations….Pages 135-168
Diatomic Molecules….Pages 169-206
Polyatomic Molecules….Pages 207-227