Studying at York
Atomic Physics & Lasers - PHY00065H
- Department: Physics
- Module co-ordinator: Prof. Greg Tallents
- Credit value: 10 credits
- Credit level: H
- Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
- See module specification for other years: 2020-21
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching cycle |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2021-22 |
Module aims
Students should develop a basic understanding of the quantum mechanical treatments of atomic and molecular structure and the phenomenological nature of the interaction of light with atoms. A basic awareness of the physics of lasers is subsequently developed.
Module learning outcomes
- Construct energy level diagrams of the fine structure of hydrogen and hydrogen-like ions.
- Describe the origin of sub-shells, terms and multiplets for atoms with two or more electrons not in closed sub-shells.
- Describe molecular energy levels, including vibrational and rotational levels.
- Derive the relationship between the Einstein coefficients.
- Determine a general formula for laser gain in a generalised four-level laser.
- Derive an expression for Doppler broadening of a line profile.
- Describe mode locking of a laser cavity.
- Describe the operation of helium-neon and carbon dioxide lasers.
- Describe how lasers can be used to cool atoms to form, for example, Bose-Einstein condensates.
Module content
Syllabus
The quantum mechanics of atoms is introduced by re-visiting the hydrogen atom. Spin orbit splitting and the Lamb shift are introduced leading to a qualitative treatment of fine structure. Exchange parity and the Pauli exclusion principle are presented leading to a discussion of the structure of atoms with more than one electron. The inter-electron Coulomb and spin orbit interactions are introduced leading to a discussion of LS coupling and jj-coupling when there are two or more electrons not in closed sub-shells. The concept of sub-shells, terms and multiplets is presented. Molecular energy levels are introduced starting with the hydrogen molecule ion H2+ . Vibrational and rotational states are discussed. The interaction of light with atoms and molecules is further explored by re-visiting the Einstein A and B coefficient. This leads to a discussion on lasers and the gain coefficient. The concept of the lineshape function is introduced – Doppler broadening is considered. Laser cavities are briefly discussed leading to the concepts of longitudinal modes and mode locking. Helium-neon and carbon dioxide lasers are discussed. The technique of laser cooling is presented with a brief discussion of Bose-Einstein condensates.
Assessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Essay/coursework Atomic Physics and Lasers Assignment 1 |
N/A | 32 |
| Essay/coursework Atomic Physics and Lasers Assignment 2 |
N/A | 32 |
| Essay/coursework Atomic Physics and Lasers Assignment 3 |
N/A | 36 |
Special assessment rules
None
Reassessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Essay/coursework Atomic Physics and Lasers Assignment 1 |
N/A | 32 |
| Essay/coursework Atomic Physics and Lasers Assignment 2 |
N/A | 32 |
| Essay/coursework Atomic Physics and Lasers Assignment 3 |
N/A | 36 |
Module feedback
Our policy on how you receive feedback for formative and summative purposes is contained in our Department Handbook.
Indicative reading
Haken H and Wolf H C: The Physics of Atoms and Quanta (Springer).
Hawkes J and Latimer I: Lasers: Theory and Practice (Prentice-Hall).
Tallents, G J ‘An introduction to the atomic and radiation physics of plasmas’ (Cambridge University Press)
