Photons and Atoms Introduction to Quantum Electrodynamics

The phenomenal growth of new sources of electromagnetic radiation covering a wide range of frequencies has given rise to a wealth of new methods for investigating the structure and the dynamics of atoms and molecules, for probing their environment and for controlling their internal and translational degrees of freedom. These developments have stimulated considerable interest for the various physical processes associated with photon-atom interactions. Photons and Atoms: Introduction to Quantum Electrodynamics provides the necessary background to understand this area of research, starting with elementary quantum theory and classical electrodynamics and progressing through more advanced approaches. A critical comparison is made between these different, although equivalent, formulations of quantum electrodynamics. Using this format, the reader is offered a gradual, yet flexible introduction to quantum electrodynamics, avoiding formal discussions and excessive shortcuts. Complementing each chapter are numerous examples and exercises that can be used independently from the rest of the book to extend each chapter in many directions depending on the interests and needs of the reader. Photons and Atoms incorporates numerous features which distinguish it from other texts, including:a presentation of Maxwell equations in Fourier space, providing new insight into electromagnetisma discussion of the wave particle duality for light in the framework of the quantum theory of radiationa justification of the nonrelativistic description of particles, starting from the full relativistic quantum electrodynamics theoryPhotons and Atoms: Introduction to Quantum Electrodynamics teaches graduate students in physics how basic concepts arise-such as photons, vacuum fluctuations, and wave-particle duality-and how interactions between particles and photons must be described. It fills the gap between ordinary quantum mechanics courses and general quantum field theory. At the same time, physicists interested in the interaction between light and matter will get a sound theoretical description of the different ways electromagnetic fields can be quantized, starting from the simplest straightforward approach and continuing through covariant quantization. Photons and Atoms thoroughly explores the physical significance of the theory, the difficulties that arise, and the pitfalls to be avoided, and also balances differing viewpoints carefully and equally. No other book has ever included such a comprehensive discussion of this field.Cohen-Tannoudji, Claude is the author of 'Photons and Atoms Introduction to Quantum Electrodynamics' with ISBN 9780471845263 and ISBN 0471845264.