The Physics of Atoms and Quanta

1. Front Matter

   Pages I-XX

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2. Introduction

   • Hermann Haken, Hans Christoph Wolf

   Pages 1-4

3. The Mass and Size of the Atom

   • Hermann Haken, Hans Christoph Wolf

   Pages 5-26

4. Isotopes

   • Hermann Haken, Hans Christoph Wolf

   Pages 27-36

5. The Nucleus of the Atom

   • Hermann Haken, Hans Christoph Wolf

   Pages 37-48

6. The Photon

   • Hermann Haken, Hans Christoph Wolf

   Pages 49-67

7. The Electron

   • Hermann Haken, Hans Christoph Wolf

   Pages 69-80

8. Some Basic Properties of Matter Waves

   • Hermann Haken, Hans Christoph Wolf

   Pages 81-93

9. Bohr’s Model of the Hydrogen Atom

   • Hermann Haken, Hans Christoph Wolf

   Pages 95-123

10. The Mathematical Framework of Quantum Theory

    • Hermann Haken, Hans Christoph Wolf

    Pages 125-152

11. Quantum Mechanics of the Hydrogen Atom

    • Hermann Haken, Hans Christoph Wolf

    Pages 153-170

12. Lifting of the Orbital Degeneracy in the Spectra of Alkali Atoms

    • Hermann Haken, Hans Christoph Wolf

    Pages 171-179

13. Orbital and Spin Magnetism. Fine Structure

    • Hermann Haken, Hans Christoph Wolf

    Pages 181-203

14. Atoms in a Magnetic Field: Experiments and Their Semiclassical Description

    • Hermann Haken, Hans Christoph Wolf

    Pages 205-221

15. Atoms in a Magnetic Field: Quantum Mechanical Treatment

    • Hermann Haken, Hans Christoph Wolf

    Pages 223-250

16. Atoms in an Electric Field

    • Hermann Haken, Hans Christoph Wolf

    Pages 251-279

17. General Laws of Optical Transitions

    • Hermann Haken, Hans Christoph Wolf

    Pages 281-296

18. Many-Electron Atoms

    • Hermann Haken, Hans Christoph Wolf

    Pages 297-308

19. X-Ray Spectra, Internal Shells

    • Hermann Haken, Hans Christoph Wolf

    Pages 309-322

20. Structure of the Periodic System. Ground States of the Elements

    • Hermann Haken, Hans Christoph Wolf

    Pages 323-345

Since a new edition of our book has once again become necessary, we have as be­ fore taken the opportunity to include the latest developments in atomic and quantum physics. These areas continue to yield new and fascinating experimental and theoret­ ical results which are of fundamental importance and are also extremely interesting to students of science. As a result of newly developed experimental methods and theoretical techniques, it has also become possible to find solutions to some long-es­ tablished problems. In this spirit we have added an entire new chapter dealing with entangled wavefunctions, the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox, Bell's inequalities, the paradox of Schrodinger's cat and the concept of decoherence. In addition, we have treated new ideas relating to quantum computers and the numerous quantum­ physical schemes for constructing them. These new concepts exemplify the rapidly­ developing area of quantum information. Finally, in this new chapter we have included the experimental realisation of the Bose-Einstein condensation and of the atom laser, which promise important new ap­ plications. In Chap. 22, "Modern methods of optical spectroscopy", we have added a new section on nondestructive photon detection as an example of efficient methods for investigating the interactions between atoms and photons in resonant cavities. Con­ sidering the current importance of these areas, we emphasize references to the origi­ nal literature. These can be found in the Bibliography.

• Atomic physics
• hydrogen atom
• quantum mechanics
• quantum physics
• quantum theory
• spectra
• spectroscopy

From the reviews: "This book gives a coherent presentation of both the experimental and the theoretical aspects of these subjects. Since 1984, when it was first published, it is now in its 6th edition which is a clear indication that this volume has gained already a large hearing in the scientific world. A characteristic feature of this book is that the authors take the opportunity of each new edition to include the latest development in this very active field. In the 6th edition, in particular, they have added an entire new chapter dealing with entangled wave-functions, the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox, Bells inequalities, the paradox of Schrodinger's cat the concept of decohrence, Bose-Einstein condensation, quantum computers and quantum information theory. ...I recommend this book unreservedly for its high pedagogical value, more specially to the students starting their Master degree (Lere licence)."
F.Bion, Physicalia, 2001, 36, 2
. This volume gives a coherent presentation of both the experimental and the theoretical aspects of atomic and quantum physics and can serve as an excellent advanced book for students of physics and also for students of neighboring disciplines such as chemistry and electrical engineering. K. ß. Salikhov
Appl. Magnetic Resonance, 2001,20,1

• Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany

  Hermann Haken

• Physikalisches Institut, Universität Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany

  Hans Christoph Wolf

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