This textbook introduces the molecular physics and quantum chemistry needed to understand the physical properties of molecules and their chemical bonds. It follows the authors' earlier textbook "The Physics of Atoms and Quanta" and presents both experimental and theoretical fundamentals for students in physics and physical and theoretical chemistry. The new edition treats new developments in areas such as high-resolution two-photon spectroscopy, ultrashort pulse spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy, optical investigation of single molecules in condensed phase, electroluminescence, and light-emitting diodes.

From reviews of the first edition--

"...The molecular physics text is a further example of the unique cooperation between a pioneer theoretician and a recognized experimentalist..."
International Journal of Quantum Chemistry

Comprehensive overview Theoretical combined with experimental approach New topics at the forefront of science: Experiments with molecules, molecular electronics Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Autorentext
Hermann Haken is Professor of the Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of Stuttgart. He is known as the founder of synergetics. His research has been in nonlinear optics (in particular laser physics), solid state physics, statistical physics, and group theory. After the implementation of the first laser in 1960, Professor Haken developed his institute to an international center for laser theory. The interpretation of the laser principles as self organization of non equilibrium systems paved the way to the development of synergetics, of which Haken is recognized as the founder. Hermann Haken has been visiting professor or guest scientist in England, France, Japan, USA, Russia, and China. He is the author of some 23 textbooks and monographs that cover an impressive number of topics from laser physics to synergetics, and editor of a book series in synergetics. For his pathbreaking work and his influence on academic research, he has been awarded many-times. Among others, he is member of the Order "Pour le merite" and received the Max Planck Medal in 1990.

Inhalt
1 Introduction.- 2 Mechanical Properties of Molecules, Their Size and Mass.- 3 Molecules in Electric and Magnetic Fields.- 4 Introduction to the Theory of Chemical Bonding.- 5 Symmetries and Symmetry Operations: A First Overview.- 6 Symmetries and Symmetry Operations. A Systematic Approach.- 7 The Multi-Electron Problem in Molecular Physics and Quantum Chemistry.- 8 Overview of Molecular Spectroscopy Techniques.- 9 Rotational Spectroscopy.- 10 Vibrational Spectroscopy.- 11 The Quantum-Mechanical Treatment of Rotational and Vibrational Spectra.- 12 Raman Spectra.- 13 Electronic States.- 14 The Electronic Spectra of Molecules.- 15 Further Remarks on the Techniques of Molecular Spectroscopy.- 16 The Interaction of Molecules with Light: Quantum-Mechanical Treatment.- 17 Theoretical Treatment of the Raman Effect and the Elements of Nonlinear Optics.- 18 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance.- 19 Electron Spin Resonance.- 20 Macromolecules, Biomolecules, and Supermolecules.- 21 Experiments on and withSingle Molecules.- 22 Molecular Electronics and Other Applications.- A. 1 The Calculation of Expectation Values Using Wavefunctions Represented by Determinants.- A.l.l Calculation of Determinants.- A.1.2 Calculation of Expectation Values.- A.2 Calculation of the Density of Radiation.- Fundamental Constants of Atomic Physics (Inside Front Cover).- Energy Conversion Table (Inside Back Cover).