Preface page xi
Part I Atom�Clight interaction 1
1 The classical physics pathway 3
2 Interaction of two-level atoms and light 16
3 The atom�Clight interaction 40
4 ��Forbidden�� transitions 64
5 Spontaneous emission 80
6 The density matrix 93
7 The hydrogen atom 107
8 Fine structure 131
9 Effects of the nucleus 149
10 The alkali-metal atoms 164
11 Atoms in magnetic fields 181
12 Atoms in electric fields 198
13 Rydberg atoms 208
14 The helium atom 227
15 The periodic system of the elements 244
16 Molecules 272
17 Binding in the hydrogen molecule 303
18 Ultra-cold chemistry 321
19 Optical forces and laser cooling 347
20 Confinement of neutral atoms 367
21 Bose�CEinstein condensation 382
22 Cold molecules 413
23 Three-level systems 433
24 Fundamental physics 448
Part IV Appendix 465
Appendix A Notation and definitions 467
Appendix B Units and notation 471
Appendix C Angular momentum in quantum mechanics 473
Appendix D Transition strengths 479
References 490
Index 508