Learning outcomes

As part of the "General Physics" course, using historical and experimental approaches, the course intends to introduce the students to the theories of the electronic structure of atoms, and of the electronic - vibrational and rotational properties of diatomic molecules. The course rests on numerous concepts and demonstrations of Quantum Mechanics.

Content

Atomic physics

- hydrogen atom & hydrogenoids/ gross electronic structure - atoms with many electrons / electronic fine structure * Stern & Gerlach experiment / spin / Pauli principle * central field approximation / 'aufbau principle' * L-S and J-J couplings / Zeeman and Stark effects - hyperfine structure

Molecular physics (diatomic molecules)

- electronic structure (LCAO & Valence Bond) - rotational and vibrational structure and coupling thereof

Table of contents

Atomic Physics

1 Instroduction

2 Atom with one electron

3 Stern-Gerlach's experience

4 Fine structure

5 Atom in an external magnetic field

6 Atom in an external electric field

7 Hyperfine structure

Molecular Physics

1 Rotational spectroscopy

2 Vibrational spectroscopy

3 Electronic spectroscopy

Exercices

Exercices are proposed in order to better grasp concepts and orders of magnitude; they cover the different parts of the course.

Assessment method

The exam is written. The theoretical part will cover each of the two parts of the course: atomic physics and molecular physics. The exercise part (TD) will take place on the same day.

Grading will take into account the physical approach, reasoning and clarity of the presentation.

The total duration of the exam (theory and exercises) is 2 hours.

 

Sources, references and any support material

- Syllabus of the course (French!)

-Spectroscopie atomique, Emile Biémont, Ed de Boek , 2006

-Spectropscopie moléculaire, Emile Biémont, Ed de Boek, 2008

-Basic Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy, J.M. Hollas, Royal Soc Chem 2002

-Mécanique quantique (3è édition) J. Hladik et al, Dunod, 2009

Language of instruction

Français
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelier en sciences physiques Standard 0 4
Bachelier en sciences physiques Standard 3 4