This course will survey topics in modern AMO theory with an emphasis on applications in Rydberg systems, including:
The course will introduce several different theoretical and numerical approaches to solving problems in AMO theory. Most of the key concepts will be taught using modern research problems as a basis.
Background experience in quantum mechanics, mathematical methods, and computational physics will be assumed; background knowledge in AMO physics will be helpful but topics will be taught without relying on too much background knowledge.
Very useful references and background reading:
Harald Friedrich: Theoretical Atomic Physics and Scattering Theory
Fano and Rau, Atomic Collisions and Spectra
Tom Gallagher, Rydberg Atoms
Your favorite quantum mechanics textbooks: I like C. Cohen-Tannoudji, Sakurai, Griffiths, ...
Course location:
To register: via e-mail at meiles@pks.mpg.de
Course requirements: participation in class discussions (70% attendance at minimum!) and in a final project.
Details of the "project": TBD
Course syllabus:
Date | Topic(s) | Notes |
October 9 | Introduction & Preliminaries / history of Rydberg physics. Lecture 1 Notes. | |
October 16 | Hydrogen atom / SuperSymmetric quantum mechanics. Lecture 2 Notes. | |
October 23 | Class Postponed (tba makeup class). Intermediate review notes. | |
October 30 | SuperSymmetric quantum mechanics / Coulomb Scattering. Lecture 4 Notes. | |
November 6 | Coulomb Scattering / Single-channel quantum defect theory. Lecture 5 Notes. | |
November 13 | Normalization topics and oscillator strengths. Lecture 6 Notes. | |
November 20 | Low-energy behavior / threshold laws. Lecture 7 Notes. | |
November 27 | Scattering length / Fermi pseudopotential. Lecture 8 Notes. | |
December 4 | Nonseparable quantum mechanics / trilobites. | |
December 11 | Dispersion forces, polarization, and long-range interactions. | |
December 18 | Multichannel Quantum Defect Theory introduction | |
December 25 | Christmas | No lecture |
January 1 | New Years Day | No lecture |
January 8 | ||
January 15 | ||
January 22 | ||
January 29 |