"Authoritative and clearly written."—Applied Optics The direct observation of short-lived free radicals and the consequent study of their structure and reactions have led to important developments in almost every branch of chemistry as well as in other areas. This volume by a Nobel laureate offers an excellent introduction to the essentials of molecular spectroscopy. The introductory chapter discusses experimental methods and illustrates the observed spectra of various molecules and free radicals. Subsequent chapters explore rotational, vibrational, and electronic energy levels of diatomic molecules and ions; radiative transitions; linear and nonlinear polyatomic radicals and ions; continuous and diffuse spectra; predissociation and pre-ionization; and recombination. The well-illustrated text features more than 100 figures and spectra. A distilled version of the author's monumental three-volume study, Molecular Spectra and Molecular Structure, it constitutes a superb resource for anyone wishing a concise but complete treatment of the fundamentals of molecular spectroscopy.

For beginners and specialists in other fields: the Nobel Laureate's introduction to atomic spectra and their relationship to atomic structures, stressing basics in a physical, rather than mathematical, treatment. 80 illustrations.

“I have endeavoured to give a presentation which is readable by the beginner in the field and also will be useful to those who do or want to do research work in this field. In order to assist the former, I have frequently made use of small type for those sections that are not necessary for an understanding of the fundamentals. For the benefit of those working in the field, numerous references to original papers have been included. “A satisfactory presentation of molecular spectra and molecular structure is nowadays not possible without treating thoroughly, apart from the empirical results, the theoretical background also. Therefore, I have included as much of the theory of molecular spectra as is possible without going into the more difficult mathematical details. A large number of diagrams, graphical representations of eigenfunctions and potential curves, as well as energy level diagrams, serve to illustrate and to explain the theory. On the other hand, I have added numerous carefully selected spectrograms of bands and band systems (some of which have been taken specially for this purpose) in order to give an accurate idea of the experimental material that forms the basis of the developments.

The definitive text on the rotational spectroscopy of diatomic molecules.