Comprises a comprehensive reference source that unifies the entire fields of atomic molecular and optical (AMO) physics, assembling the principal ideas, techniques and results of the field. 92 chapters written by about 120 authors present the principal ideas, techniques and results of the field, together with a guide to the primary research literature (carefully edited to ensure a uniform coverage and style, with extensive cross-references). Along with a summary of key ideas, techniques, and results, many chapters offer diagrams of apparatus, graphs, and tables of data. From atomic spectroscopy to applications in comets, one finds contributions from over 100 authors, all leaders in their respective disciplines. Substantially updated and expanded since the original 1996 edition, it now contains several entirely new chapters covering current areas of great research interest that barely existed in 1996, such as Bose-Einstein condensation, quantum information, and cosmological variations of the fundamental constants. A fully-searchable CD- ROM version of the contents accompanies the handbook.

This text provides a summary of the key ideas, techniques and research results in the field of atomic, molecular and optical physics. It is intended to be of interest to all physicians (especially in condensed matter and chemical physics) and engineers, as

This reference book contains information about the structure and properties of atomic and molecular particles, as well as some of the nuclear parameters. It includes data which can be of use when studying atomic and molecular processes in the physics of gases, chemistry of gases and gas optics, in plasma physics and plasma chemistry, in physical chemistry and radiation chemistry, in geophysics, astrophysics, solid-state physics and a variety of cross-discipli nary fields of science and technology. Our aim was to collect carefully selected and estimated numerical values for a wide circle of microscopic parameters in a relatively "not thick" book. These values are of constant use in the work of practical investigators. In essence, the book represents a substantially revised and extended edi tion of our reference book published in Russian in 1980. Two main reasons made it necessary to rework the material. On the one hand, a great deal of new high-quality data has appeared in the past few years and furthermore we have enlisted many sources of information previously inaccessible to us. On the other hand, we have tried to insert extensive information on new, rapidly progressing branches of physical research, such as multiply charged ions, Rydberg atoms, van der Waals and excimer molecules, complex ions, etc. All this brings us to the very edge of studies being carried out in the field.

This introduction to Atomic and Molecular Physics explains how our present model of atoms and molecules has been developed over the last two centuries both by many experimental discoveries and, from the theoretical side, by the introduction of quantum physics to the adequate description of micro-particles. It illustrates the wave model of particles by many examples and shows the limits of classical description. The interaction of electromagnetic radiation with atoms and molecules and its potential for spectroscopy is outlined in more detail and in particular lasers as modern spectroscopic tools are discussed more thoroughly. Many examples and problems with solutions are offered to encourage readers to actively engage in applying and adapting the fundamental physics presented in this textbook to specific situations. Completely revised third edition with new sections covering all actual developments, like photonics, ultrashort lasers, ultraprecise frequency combs, free electron lasers, cooling and trapping of atoms, quantum optics and quantum information.

Thermal Beam Sources / N.F. Ramsey -- Supersonic Beam Sources / M.D. Morse -- Fast Beam Sources / A. Chutjian and O.J. Orient -- Vapor Cells and Heat Pipes / C.R. Vidal -- Free Radical Sources / K.M. Evenson and J.M. Brown -- Sources of Metastable Atoms and Molecules / T.J. Gay -- Production of Rydberg Atoms / T.F. Gallagher -- Laser Cooling and Trapping of Neural Atoms / C.C. Bradley and R.G. Hulet -- Optical State-Preparation of Atoms / J.J. McClelland -- Methods and Applications of Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy / G.S. Hurst and J.E. Parks -- Detection of Metastable Atoms and Molecules / H. Hotop -- Excited Level Lifetime Measurements / J.E. Lawler and T.R. O'Brian -- Doppler-Free Spectroscopy / J.C. Bergquist -- Microwave Spectroscopy / R.D. Suenram and A.M. Andrews -- Fast Beam Spectroscopy / L. Young -- Quantum-Beat, Level-Crossing, and Anticrossing Spectroscopy / T.F. Gallagher -- Atom Interferometry / O.H. Carnal and J. Mlynek -- Classical Spectroscopy. C. Kittrell, Pulsed L ...

This textbook introduces the molecular and quantum chemistry needed to understand the physical properties of molecules and their chemical bonds. It follows the authors' earlier textbook "The Physics of Atoms and Quanta" and presents both experimental and theoretical fundamentals for students in physics and physical and theoretical chemistry. The new edition treats new developments in areas such as high-resolution two-photon spectroscopy, ultrashort pulse spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy, optical investigation of single molecules in condensed phase, electroluminescence, and light-emitting diodes.