MIT Physics 8.421
Atomic and optical Physics
(2016)
FROM THE COURSE CATALOG
8.421 Atomic and Optical Physics I
(
)
Prereq: 8.05
Units: 3-0-9
URL: http://web.mit.edu/physics/subjects/index.html
Lecture: MW1-2.30 (4-163)
The first of a two-term subject sequence that provides the foundations for
contemporary research in selected areas of atomic and optical physics. The
interaction of radiation with atoms: resonance; absorption, stimulated and
spontaneous emission; methods of resonance, dressed atom formalism, masers and
lasers, cavity quantum electrodynamics; structure of simple atoms, behavior in
very strong fields; fundamental tests: time reversal, parity violations, Bell's
inequalities; and experimental methods.
W. Ketterle
Textbooks
(Spring 2016)
Lectures: Mon, Wed, Fri. 1:00-2:30pm, Room 4-163; but not all Mon,
Wed (see schedule)
Instructor: Prof. Wolfgang Ketterle, 26-243
<ketterle@mit.edu>
Office hours: Wed 2:30 – 3:30, or email me
Textbook: none (see website)
Grading: Homework 33%, Exam 33%, Term paper 33%
Schedule: In class exam on 4/20, final term paper due
on May 12, 2016
Web site: http://cua.mit.edu/8.421
Course Calendar
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February 2016 |
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First Day of Classes |
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Introduction |
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Overview 1 |
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Recitation 1 |
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Discussion 1 |
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Prsident's Day |
Monday schedule |
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Recitation 1 |
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Due module 1 |
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March 2016 |
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Add Day |
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Discussion 2 |
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Overview 2 |
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Recitation 2 |
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Discussion 2 |
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Overview 3 |
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Recitation 3 |
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Discussion 3 |
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Overview 3 |
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Due module 2 |
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MIT Spring Break |
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Recitation 3 |
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Discussion 3 |
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Overview 4 |
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Due HW spont. Em. |
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April 2016 |
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Due module 3 |
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Discussion 4 |
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Recitation 4 |
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Midterm Exam |
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Overview 4 |
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Patriot's Day |
Patriot's Day Vacation |
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Drop Date |
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Discussion 4 |
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Recitation 4 |
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Overview 5 |
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Discussion 5 |
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Recitation 5 |
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Due module 4 |
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Due HW Ramsey |
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May 2016 |
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Monday |
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Overview 5 |
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Recitation 5 |
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Discussion 5 |
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Last day of classes at
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Final Discussion |
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Term paper due |
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Due module 5 |
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Topics:
Introduction
The two-state systems: Resonance
Atoms – electronic structure
Helium atom
Fine structure and Lamb shift
Hyperfine structure; Magnetic fields
Atoms in electric fields
Interaction of an Atom with an Electro-Magnetic Field
Einstein’s A and B coefficient
Saturation of transitions
Line shapes
Two-photon transitions
Coherence
Dicke superradiance