Atomic physics, in Finnish

In the beginning of the course, the historical events which led to the development of the quantum mechanics and the modern atomic model in the early 20th century are discussed. In this context, the interaction processes between matter and electromagnetic radiation, like black-body radiation, the photoelectric effect, and scattering, are examined. In quantum mechanics, particles are usually described with the aid of wave functions. De Broglie wavelength, the group and phase velocities of particles, and Heisenberg uncertainty principle serve as an introduction to the wave properties of particles. The Bohr’s atomic model, electronic transitions of atoms, and emission spectra of atoms are also discussed. The first touch to the quantum mechanics is the solutions of wave functions and energies for some simple systems, like hydrogen atom, are described. Additionally, many-electron atoms are discussed briefly. Some modern research methods which are used to study the atomic physics are introduced. Applications which exploit the atom physical phenomena in everyday life are also discussed.