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Prerequisite: Physics 215A and Phys 210A; or the consent of the instructor.
Recommended Preparation: Quantum mechanics and electromagnetism, at a beginning graduate or advanced undergraduate level.
A survey of major topics in modern atomic physics. Topics in atomic structure include general features of atomic spectra, fine structure, hyperfine structure, the Lamb shift, hydrogen, helium, alkali atoms, complex atoms, excited states, and synthetic atoms. Topics in atom-field interactions and atom atom interactions include the DC Stark effect, the Zeeman effect, transitions, two-level systems, stimulated and spontaneous emission, selection rules, lifetimes, line shapes, broadening mechanisms, the AC Stark effect, multiphoton processes, scattering channels, and Feshbach resonances. Also covers modern techniques including spectroscopy, laser cooling, atom traps, quantum gases, cold molecules, trapped ions, and atomic clocks.