In Print: ‘Fundamentals of Laser Spectroscopy for Atoms and Diatomic Molecules’

Publication title

Fundamentals of Laser Spectroscopy for Atoms and Diatomic Molecules

Purdue author

Robert Lucht

Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Publication date

December 2024

About the book (from the publisher)

For the engineer or scientist using spectroscopic laser diagnostics to investigate gas-phase media or plasmas, this book is an excellent resource for gaining a deeper understanding of the physics of radiative transitions. While a background in quantum mechanics is beneficial, the book presents a comprehensive review of the relevant aspects, extensively covering atomic and molecular structure alongside radiative transitions. The author employs effective Hamiltonians and Hund’s case (a) basis wave functions to develop the energy level structure of diatomic molecules. These techniques also form the basis for treating radiative transitions in diatomic molecules. Recent advancements in quantum chemistry, enabling readers to calculate absolute single-photon and Raman transition strengths, are also presented. Illustrated with detailed example calculations of molecular structure and transition rates, this self-contained reference for spectroscopic data analysis will appeal to professionals in mechanical, aerospace and chemical engineering, and in applied physics and chemistry.

About the Purdue author

Robert Lucht is the Ralph and Bettye Bailey Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering and director of Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories. His research interests include laser diagnostics and spectroscopy, and combustion science, especially aviation and stationary gas turbine combustion. Lucht is a fellow of Optica, the Combustion Institute, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.