Ge/Ay 132: Atomic and Molecular
Processes in Astronomy
& Planetary Science

Instructor:      Geoffrey A. Blake
                           165A South Mudd (x 6296)
Office Hours: T/Th 1-3 p.m.
E-mail:            gab@gps.caltech.edu 

Teaching Assistant:

Susanna L. Widicus

Office: 17 Beckman Insitute (x 6935)

Office Hours: 2-5 p.m., Wed., 17 BI

swidicus@its.caltech.edu

When offered: Winter quarter of 2004
         (Classes run Jan. 5th to March 10th).

Where offered: MWF 11 am-noon, 162a S. Mudd.


This course discusses the fundamental aspects of atomic and molecular spectra that enable one to infer physical conditions in astronomical, planetary and terrestrial environments from the analysis of their electromagnetic radiation. Topics will include the structure and spectra of atoms, molecules and solids; transition probabilities; photoionization and recombination; collisional processes; gas-phase chemical reactions and isotopic fractionation. Each topic will be illustrated with applications in astronomy and planetary sciences, ranging from planetary atmospheres and dense interstellar clouds to the early universe.


Target audience: Beginning graduate students and advanced undergraduates in the Divisions of Geological & Planetary Sciences and Physics, Mathematics & Astronomy as well as other students throughout Caltech.



Grades will be based on four bi-weekly problem sets, a mid-term take-home exam (one of the middle, slightly extended, problem sets) and a final exam. The final exam will consist of a written part, and a 15-20 minute talk on a subject of your choice connected to the course. If people are interested, there may be a possibility of doing some lab work to supplement the class.


Problem Set #1: Handed out 1/08/04; due 1/22/04.
Problem Set #2: Handed out 1/22/04; due 2/05/04.
Problem Set #3: Handed out 2/05/04; due 2/19/04.
Problem Set #4: Handed out 2/19/02; due 3/04/04.
Final Presentations: 3/15-17/04.


Course Outline:

Introduction

PART ONE: ATOMS

I. Hydrogen Atom
II. N-electron Atoms
III. Atoms and Radiation
IV. Photoionization and Recombination
V. Collisional Processes
VI. Applications

PART TWO: MOLECULES

VII. Overview of Molecular Structure
VIII. Rotational Spectroscopy
IX. Vibrational Spectroscopy
X. Electronic Spectroscopy
XI. Molecular Processes
XII. Applications


Much of the lecture notes for the course are those developed by Prof. Ewine F. van Dishoeck. She, in turn, credits Profs. J. H. Black of the University of Arizona and A. Dalgarno of Harvard University.

Course Materials