Atomic Physics Tests of the Basic Concepts in Quantum Mechanics

A.S. Davydov

S. M. Girvin

In the last 25 years a new understanding has evolved of the role of information in quantum mechanics. At the same time there has been tremendous progress in atomic/optical physics and condensed matter physics, and particularly at the interface between these two formerly distinct fields, in developing experimental systems whose quantum states are long-lived and which can be engineered to perform quantum information processing tasks. These lecture notes will present a brief introduction to the basic theoretical concepts behind this `second quantum revolution.' These notes will also provide an introduction to `circuit QED.' In addition to being a novel test bed for non-linear quantum optics of microwave electrical circuits which use superconducting qubits as artificial atoms, circuit QED offers an architecture for constructing quantum information processors.

L.D. LANDAU, Efrat Lifshitz

A. M. Fox

This concise and accessible book provides a detailed introduction to the fundamental principles of atomic physics at an undergraduate level. Concepts are explained in an intuitive way and the book assumes only a basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. With a compact format specifically designed for students, the first part of the book covers the key principles of the subject, including the quantum theory of the hydrogen atom, radiative transitions, the shell model of multi-electron atoms, spin-orbit coupling, and the effects of external fields. The second part provides an introduction to the four key applications of atomic physics: lasers, cold atoms, solid-state spectroscopy and astrophysics. This highly pedagogical text includes worked examples and end of chapter problems to allow students to test their knowledge, as well as numerous diagrams of key concepts, making it perfect for undergraduate students looking for a succinct primer on the concepts and applications of atomic physics.

Mark Fox

This concise and accessible book provides a detailed introduction to the fundamental principles of atomic physics at an undergraduate level. Concepts are explained in an intuitive way and the book assumes only a basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. With a compact format specifically designed for students, the first part of the book covers the key principles of the subject, including the quantum theory of the hydrogen atom, radiative transitions, the shell model of multi-electron atoms, spin-orbit coupling, and the effects of external fields. The second part provides an introduction to the four key applications of atomic physics: lasers, cold atoms, solid-state spectroscopy and astrophysics. This highly pedagogical text includes worked examples and end of chapter problems to allow students to test their knowledge, as well as numerous diagrams of key concepts, making it perfect for undergraduate students looking for a succinct primer on the concepts and applications of atomic physics.

L.D. LANDAU, E.M. LIFSHITZ