ATOMIC PHYSICS

This text will thoroughly update the existing literature on atomic physics. Intended to accompany an advanced undergraduate course in atomic physics, the book will lead the students up to the latest advances and the applications to Bose-Einstein Condensation of atoms, matter-wave inter-ferometry and quantum computing with trapped ions. The elementary atomic physics covered in the early chapters should be accessible to undergraduates when they are first introduced to the subject. To complement the usual quantum mechanical treatment of atomic structure the book strongly emphasizes the experimental basis of the subject, especially in the later chapters. It includes ample tutorial material (examples, illustrations, chapter summaries, graded problem sets). ''An altogether useful, enjoyable book that can be used a resource, course text, and introduction to modern atomic research topics.''--CHOICE ''Foot presents a textbook for an undergraduate course in atomic physics for students who understand quantum mechanics at the level of an introductory university course, including the Schrodinger equation in three dimensions and perturbation theory. After describing the basic principles of atomic structures and reviewing the classical ideas, he discusses laser spectroscopy, laser cooling, the Bose-Einstein condensation of dilute atomic vapors, matter-wave interferometry, and ion trapping.''--SciTech Book News