The atom, the nucleus, the electron and the photon - four necessary steps for the development of quantum physics. The structure of the atom. Atoms in electric and magnetic fields. Fine and hyperfine structure. X-ray spectroscopy. Molecular structure. Rotation-, vibration- and electronic spectra. Chemical bonds. Optical spectroscopy. Laser cooling. Bose-Einstein condensation. Intangled quantum states. The laser principle. Atomic lasers.
SH2500 Atomic and Molecular Physics 6.0 credits
This course has been discontinued.
Last planned examination: Spring 2023
Decision to discontinue this course:
No information insertedInformation per course offering
Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus SH2500 (Autumn 2009–)Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
After completed course the student should be able to:
- Describe in oral and written form the observations in atomic- and molecular physics which led to the modern quantum physics
- Motivate the necessity of using quantum mechanics calculations for describing atomic and molecular processes
- Explain how signatures of the quantum physics are seen in atomic- and molecular physics experiments
- Carry out numerical calculations of simpler processer for free atoms and molecules and their interactions with electric and magnetic fields
- Describe, in oral and written form, and analyze example of experiments which could answer a given scientific question within the basic atomic and molecular physics
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Recommended prerequisites: SH1009 Modern Physics.
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Literature
H. Haken och H.C. Wolf: The Physics of Atoms and Quanta, Springer Verlag 2000
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- TEN1 - Examination, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
- ÖVN1 - Exercise, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Other requirements for final grade
Active participation at the lectures. One presentation of a part of the course (OVN1; 1,5 university credits). One written examination (TENA; 4,5 university credits).
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course room in Canvas
Offered by
Main field of study
Education cycle
Add-on studies
SH2501, SH2502.