Molecular Physics
Molekylfysik

FBR031F, 7.5 credits

Valid from: Autumn 2019
Decided by: Anders Gustafsson / FUN(2)
Date of establishment: 2019-11-08

General Information

Division: Combustion Physics
Course type: Course given jointly for second and third cycle
The course is also given at second-cycle level with course code: FYST36
Teaching language: English

Aim

The course aims to both that theoretical and practical parts to treat basic molecular theory and molecular spectroscopy.

Goals

Knowledge and Understanding

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• Be able to describe how a molecule interacts with electromagnetic radiation via electric dipole transitions and Raman scattering processes.
• Be able to describe how temperature and molecular symmetry can affect this interaction.
• Be able to explain the principles of interaction with rotational, vibrational, and electronic states for some of the simple molecules.
• Be able to describe and compare advantages and disadvantages with different technologies for different wavelength regions from microwaves to the X-ray

Competences and Skills

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• Be able to analyze molecular spectra for diatomic and polyatomic molecules.
• Be able to calculate different parameters such as temperature and moment of inertia from a spectrum of a diatomic molecule.
• Be able to decide the symmetry characteristics of diatomic and some simple polyatomic molecules based on the analysis of different spectra for IR and Raman scattering.
• Be able to write laboratory reports with a thorough analysis of measurement data.
• Be able to orally and in writing summarise a written project assignment. The written assignment can be of investigating nature on how molecular spectroscopy can be applied within science, industry, or society.
• Be able to solve assignments that require the use of information from other sources than the course material, e.g. via the Internet and databases.

Judgement and Approach

For a passing grade the doctoral student must Be able to extract the essential information in an advanced English textbook

Course Contents

Introduction. Repetition of atomic structure. Basic molecular orbital theory (linear combination of atomic orbitals, binding and anti-bonding orbitals, hybridization of orbitals, covalent bindings, basic molecular properties that can be explained with these theories), Born-Oppenheimer approximation Spectral transitions Selection rules and procedures Franck-Condon principle and transition strengths Term notations Microwave spectroscopy, Molecular rotation of simple and polyatomic molecules, technologies for rotational spectroscopy Infrared spectroscopy: Vibrations of simple and polyatomic molecules, infrared techniques Theory of Raman spectroscopy Electron spectroscopy Theory and technologies. Laboratory session: Computer simulation of simple molecular spectra and adaptation to experimental measurement data Demonstrations: Emission spectroscopy, Laser-induced fluorescence.

Course Literature

Banwell, Colin N. & McCash, Elaine M.: fundamentals of molecular spectroscopy. McGraw-Hill Education, 1994.
The book is easy to read and covers most of the topics in the course.

Instruction Details

Types of instruction: Lectures, laboratory exercises, project

Examination Details

Examination formats: Written exam, written report, written assignments. The examination takes place in writing at the end of the course. To pass in the course, the student must achieve certain credits of written examination laboratory sessions, written assignments.
Grading scale: Failed, pass
Examiner:

Admission Details

Assumed prior knowledge: For admission to the course, 90 credits natural sciences are required, in which knowledge equivalent to FYSA31 Physics 3, Modern physics, 30 credits should be included, and English B.

Course Occasion Information

Contact and Other Information

Course coordinators:
Web page: https://liveatlund.lu.se/departments/physics-N/FYST36/Pages/default.aspx