Atomic and Laser Physics PDF

Atomic and Laser Physics

Course description

PHY332 covers the quantum theory of simple atoms and atomic spectra, and also the basic principles of lasers. The first part of the course covers the physics of atoms and atomic spectra, beginning with hydrogen and then moving on to multi-electron atoms. The second part gives an introduction to laser physics, with emphasis on the basic principles of amplification by stimulated emission.

The aims of the course are as follows:

1. to understand the quantum theory of the hydrogen atom and other simple atoms;
2. to describe the main features of atomic spectra ;
3. to understand the basic principles of laser operation;

Recommended books

• Demtroder W, "Atoms, molecules and photons" (Springer-Verlag)
• Haken H and Wolf H C, "The physics of atoms and quanta" (Springer-Verlag)

Other useful books include

• Eisberg R and Resnick R, "Quantum physics of atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei and particles " (Wiley)
• Wilson J and Hawkes J, "Optoelectronics: an introduction" (Prentice Hall)
• Smith F G and King T A, "Optics and Photonics " (Wiley)
• Silfvast, W T, "Laser fundamentals" (Cambridge)

Lecture notes

The lecture notes are given in pdf format. They can be viewed and printed using Acrobat Reader. If you do not have this programme on your computer, you can download it free of charge from here: 

Notes	Topic
Part I	Atomic Physics
	Table of contents
1	Introduction
2	Hydrogen
3	Radiative transitions
4	The shell model and alkali spectra
5	Fine structure
6	External fields
7	Helium and the exchange force
Part II	Laser Physics
8	Population inversion, stimulated emission and gain. Cavities. Gas & solid state lasers