GENERAL ATOMIC PHYSICS AND ATOMIC PHENOMENA

Prof. Yuri Gangarskii (Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reaction)

5th semester, Lectures: 51 hours, Seminars 34 hours

The aim of the course “General atomic physics and atom phenomena” is to study properties of atoms and more complex objects based on the atoms,as well as to gain practical skills for interpretation and use of a wide range of atomic phenomena. Students should get a clear idea of the detailed atomic structure of different elements, interaction between atoms and atoms with external fields, and formation of molecules and complex combinations from atoms. It will enable them, first, to choose the most proper way to decide specified tasks in the field of atomic physics; and, second, to interpret the received resultscorrectly. While giving this course, we assume that students have taken the standard course of higher mathematics (derivative, integral, differential equations) and know the basics of electricity theory.

After having taken this course, a student should:

  • get a basic insight into atomic structure and physical systems, which consist of them
  • be able to formulate problems in the field of nuclear physics and find ways to solve them
  • apply the apparatus of mathematical analysis to the calculation of different atomic processes
  • effectively analyse the received results on the basis of different models, which describe behaviour of atomic systems of different nature
  • offer solutions to specified application problems, which answer today’s purposes.

The contents of the discipline

General ideas of the atomic structure of matter

Chemical reactions, phenomena in gases, Brownian agitation, states of aggregation of matter, masses, linear dimensions and speeds of atoms.

Atomic structure

Electrolysis of liquids, Thomsonatomic model, Rutherford’s experiments, planetary atomic model.

Classification of atomic levels

Quantum-mechanicaldescription of hydrogen atom, quantum numbers of atomic levels, wave function of the atom.

Multielectron atoms

Structure of the atom ofhelium, principles of heavy atom construction, periodic table.

Atom in electric and magnetic field

Spin and atomicmagnetic dipole moment, Stark effect. Zeeman effect, electromagnetic radiation of excited atoms.

Structure of molecule

Ion and covalent bond in molecules, hydrogen molecule, complex organic molecule.

Atomic structure of a solid body

Bond types between atoms and molecules, Van der Waals' forces, crystals and amorphous bodies, conductors , dielectrics/non-conductors and semiconductors.

Atomic clusters

Structure of clusters, production of clusters, metal clusters, carbon clusters – fullerenes, their practical use.

High-temperature plasma

Ways of plasma production, basic properties of plasma, plasma in magnetic field, controlled thermonuclear fusion.

Quantum phenomena in macroscopic quantum systems

Application area of quantum theory, superconductivity and superfluidity, quantum Hall effect, superfluorescence.

Introduction into nanotechnology

Characteristics of nanosystems, functional nanostructures, nanoclusters, nanomachines, prospects of use.