Chaos in Atomic Physics

This book provides a coherent introduction to the manifestations of chaos in atoms and molecules.

R. Blümel (Author), W. P. Reinhardt (Author)

9780521017909, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 22 August 2005

344 pages, 111 b/w illus. 2 tables
24.4 x 17 x 1.9 cm, 0.544 kg

'In summary, this is an excellent exposition of the complexity which can occur when simple atomic systems behave, almost, like miniature solar systems. Its natural readership is graduate students and researchers with a background in atomic, molecular optical or solid state physics, who will find this a readable, informative and well produced book.' P. T. Greenland, Contemporary Physics

This book describes the manifestations of chaos in atoms and molecules. The study of chaos is today one of the most active and prolific areas in atomic physics. This is the first attempt to provide a coherent introduction to this fascinating area. In line with its scope, the book is divided into two parts. The first part (chapters 1–5) deals with the theory and principles of classical chaos. The ideas developed here are then applied to actual atomic and molecular physics systems in the second part of the book (chapters 6–10) covering microwave driven surface state electrons, the hydrogen atom in a strong microwave field, the kicked hydrogen atom, chaotic scattering with CsI molecules and the helium atom. The book contains many diagrams and a detailed references list.

Preface
1. Introduction
2. Chaos: tools and concepts
3. Chaos in classical mechanics
4. Chaos in quantum mechanics
5. The kicked rotor: paradigm of chaos
6. Microwave-driven surface state electrons
7. The hydrogen atom in a strong magnetic field
8. The kicked hydrogen atom
9. Chaotic scattering with CsI molecules
10. The helium atom
11. Chaos in atomic physics: state of the art and research directions
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Atomic & molecular physics [PHM], Chaos theory [PBWS]