Atomic and Molecular Physics (Second Edition)

This second edition course text introduces the fundamental quantum physics of atoms and molecules. With revised and extended content, this book is the first volume in a series of three aiming to present a broad coverage of atomic, molecular, solid-state and statistical physics. New material is included to supplement and deepen the content of the first edition, with freshly new topics allowing a substantial coverage of the physics of atoms and molecules.

Divided into three parts, the first provides a historical perspective leading to the contemporary view of atomic and molecular physics, outlining the principles of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. The second covers the physical description of atoms and their interaction with radiation, whilst the third deals with molecular physics. Throughout the text, emphasis is given to the underlying physical basis or principle for each topic. The book's pedagogical features include conceptual layout sections that define the goals of each chapter, a simplified but rigorous mathematical apparatus, and a thorough discussion of approximations used to develop the adopted physical models.

This second edition is well suited to accompany a one-semester undergraduate course in quantum physics but would be enjoyed by anyone trying to enter the realm of atoms and molecules and how we understand them.