Review: J. Frenkel, Wave Mechanics; Advanced General Theory

N. F. M.

I︠A︡kov Ilʹich Frenkelʹ

Shôzô Takeno, Mahito Mabuchi

A formal, regorous theory of Frenkel excitons interacting with an external electromagnetic field is doveloped within the framework of a two-level-atom model in which the dipole approximation is employed in describing the atom-field (taken as a c-number) interaction. The model exciton Hamiltonian is shown to be identical in form with the Heisenberg model Hamiltonian for S=1/2 spins with anisotropic long-range exchange interactions. Instead of treating excitons as a non-ideal Bose gas, atomic polarization operators and level population defference are taken up as two fundamental quantities to describe Frenkel excitons. A pair of equations satisfied by these two quantities are derived. It is shown that Frenkel excitons are generally expressed as quantum-mechanical nonlinear polarization waves, the nonlinearity being characterized by the level population. A discussion is given on the interrelationship between such polarization waves and those derivable from the classical Drude-Lorentz model. With the aid of several approximation procedures similar to those employed in nonlinear optics, a set of equations describing nonlinear exciton-photon coupled modes are derived. Brief discussion is given on the eigenfrequencies of nonlinear Frenkel excitons and nonlinear polaritons. The existence of nonlinear exciton-photon coupled modes whose properties are different from those of polariton modes is suggested.

John Edward Lennard-Jones

Abstract One of the great achievements of the Schrödinger wave-mechanics is the elegance of its perturbation theory, which has brought many problems, formerly considered intractable, within the range of a highly-developed mathematical technique. It is not necessary at this stage to review the numerous applications which have been made of this perturbation theory or to dwell upon its many advantages. The important advance towards an understanding of chemical forces which it has made possible is in itself a considerable achievement. There are, however, certain disadvantages in the perturbation theory in its present form, which limit the extent of its applications to complex problems of atomic and molecular structure. If the interaction of atoms, for instance, is to be calculated, as it most desirable, improved methods will have to be found.

Louis de Broglie