Photons and Atoms: Introduction to Quantum Electrodynamics - Tapa dura

Photons and Atoms Photons and Atoms: Introduction to Quantum Electrodynamics provides the necessary background to understand the various physical processes associated with photon-atom interactions. It starts with elementary quantum theory and classical electrodynamics and progresses to more advanced approaches. A critical comparison is made between these different, although equivalent, formulations of quantum electrodynamics. Using this format, the reader is offered a gradual, yet flexible introduction to quantum electrodynamics, avoiding formal discussions and excessive shortcuts. Complementing each chapter are numerous examples and exercises that can be used independently from the rest of the book to extend each chapter in many disciplines depending on the interests and needs of the reader.

Of related interest The Theory of Coherent Atomic Excitation Bruce W. Shore Examines the nature of coherent excitation produced in atoms by lasers and looks at details of the transient variation of excited-state populations with time and with controllable parameters, such as laser frequency and intensity Concerned with temporary behavior rather than energy levels in atoms, the book's emphasis is on the physical and mathematical theory that underlies contemporary description of this excitation. Addresses the nature of coherent excitation, the difference between coherent and incoherent excitation, the simple models that illustrate coherent excitation, expected patterns of excitation in real atoms, and realistic modeling of atomic excitation.1989(0 471-61398-3)1,904 pp.Quantum Mechanics Volumes One and Two Claude Cohen-Tannoudji, Bernard Diu, and Franck Laloe This classic text underscores the differences between theory and applied examples. It provides a basic introduction to nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, paying careful attention to detail and including a wealth of topics and examples. Each chapter begins with a clear exposition of a problem and then explicates the physical and mathematical concepts behind it. Volume I contains an introduction to the fundamental ideas of quantum mechanics, its mathematical tools, its postulates, application of postulates to simple cases, the one-dimensional harmonic oscillator, general properties of angular momentum in quantum mechanics, and particles in a central potential. Volume II contains an elementary approach to quantum theory of scattering by a potential, electron spin, addition of angular momenta, stationary perturbation theory, approximation methods for time-dependent problems, and systems of identical particles.Volume I: 1978(0 471-16433-X)898 pp.PaperVolume II: 1978(0 471-16435-6)626 pp.Paper