Molecular Physics

Molecular Physics (MP | INU7014P)

Description: - Atomic Physics (2 lectures)
Brief recap of atomic physics: n, l, m, s; He atom, orbital approximation, exchange.

- Molecular electronic structure (8 lectures):
The molecular Hamiltonian and the Born-Oppenheimer approximation.
Electronic structure, ionic and covalent bonding, Bonding in H2+ and H2. Muon catalysed fusion. Dissociation and united atom limits. Long range forces.

- Nuclear motion (6 lectures)
Vibrational structure: harmonic motion and beyond, energy levels and wavefunctions Rotational structure: rigid rotor and energy levels Energy scales within a molecule: ionisation and dissociation. Nuclear spin effects. Labeling schemes for electronic, vibrational and rotational states.

- Molecular spectra (7 lectures):
Microwave, infrared and optical spectra of molecules. Selection rules, Franck-Condon principle. Experimental set-ups. Examples: the CO2 laser, stimulated emission pumping experiment. Raman spectroscopy. Ortho-para states. Absorption spectra of simple diatomics (eg O2 and NO, N2). Simple poly-atomics (ozone, water).

- Molecular processes (7 lectures):
Collisions with electrons. Elastic and inelastic collisions. Dissociation, dissociative attachment and dissociative recombination. Resonances and negative ions. Experimental techniques. Theoretical models (briefly).


Year: 1 | Semester: B | Level: 7 | Credits: 0

Course organiser: | Course deputy:

Juno Champion

The school holds Juno Champion status, the highest award of this IoP scheme to recognise and reward departments that can demonstrate they have taken action to address the under-representation of women in university physics and to encourage better practice for both women and men.