Main content

This entry is from Winter semester 2020/21 and might be obsolete. You can find a current equivalent here.

BScPhys-401 — Physics of Atoms and Molecules
(dt. Atom- und Molekülphysik)

Level, degree of commitment Advanced module, compulsory elective module
Forms of teaching and learning,
workload		 Lecture (4 SWS), recitation class (2 SWS),
270 hours (Besuch der lecture (60 h), Besuch der recitation class (30 h), Nachbereitung der lecture and Literaturstudium (60h), recitation classszettel and Hausaufgaben (90 h), Klausurvorbereitung and Klausur (30 h).)
Credit points,
formal requirements		 9 CP
Course requirement(s): Written examination, presentation, oral examination or 50% of the weekly exercises
Examination type: Written examination or term paper or individual oral examination
Language,
Grading		 German,
The grading is done with 0 to 15 points according to the examination regulations for the degree program B.Sc. Physik.
Duration,
frequency		 One semester,
each summer semester
Person in charge of the module's outline

Contents

Instruments of atomic physics, size and electrical structure of atoms. One-electron atoms: Schrödinger equation of the hydrogen atom, spin-orbit coupling, fine and hyperfine structure, Zeeman and Stark effects. Two- and multi-electron atoms: Helium, alkali atoms, angular momentum coupling, shell model, excited atom states, Auger effect. Interaction with light: transition rates, selection rules, line widths. Molecules: H2, polyatomic molecules, molecular spectroscopy, vibrations, rotations. Traps, laser cooling, Bose-Einstein condensation, atomic clocks. Students will use examples to develop an intuition for quantum mechanical phenomena, understand the physical basis of chemical bonding, and gain insight into precision spectroscopies at the cutting edge of research.


Qualification Goals

Upon completion of the module, students will be able to name basic definitions from the field of atomic and molecular physics and explain physical methods and working procedures of the field as well as describe central experimental findings mathematically. Students will be able to explain the importance of experiment and theoretical model building. They have the ability to solve given simple tasks from atomic and molecular physics by applying the methods they have learned in the module.


Prerequisites

None.


Applicability

Module imported from B.Sc. Physik.

When studying M.Sc. Mathematics, this module can be attended in the study area Minor subject Physics.


Recommended Reading

(not specified)



Please note:

This page describes a module according to the latest valid module guide in Winter semester 2020/21. Most rules valid for a module are not covered by the examination regulations and can therefore be updated on a semesterly basis. The following versions are available in the online module guide:

The module guide contains all modules, independent of the current event offer. Please compare the current course catalogue in Marvin.

The information in this online module guide was created automatically. Legally binding is only the information in the examination regulations (Prüfungsordnung). If you notice any discrepancies or errors, we would be grateful for any advice.