After the development of the tunable laser, experimental studies in Rydberg states of atoms and molecules grew at a remarkable rate. Fundamental questions were resolved, opening doors for more experimental activity and theoretical inquiry. In this comprehensive summary of knowledge of Rydberg states, which was originally published in 1983, Professors Stebbings and Dunning brought together a select collection of experimental and theoretical discussions. Composed of works by the acknowledged leaders in the field, this volume will be of value for anyone with an interest in molecular physics.

Rydberg Series in Atoms and Molecules deals with the Rydberg states of atomic and molecular systems. Rydberg series in atomic spectra and of diatomic molecules are examined, along with Rydberg terms of polyatomic molecules such as hydrocarbons with triple bonds, hydrocarbon molecules with double bonds, and benzene and benzene derivatives. Comprised of four chapters, this book begins with an overview of the spectrum of the hydrogen atom, along with some elementary and useful concepts and definitions. Some difficulties in the classification of excited states of simple molecules into Rydberg and non-Rydberg states are highlighted. The next chapter considers Rydberg series in atomic spectra and theoretical methods for quantitative description of atomic structures. One-electron models for Rydberg terms are also described, together with Rydberg series of diatomic molecules such as N2 and O2, CO and NO, and bromine and iodine. The final chapter is devoted to Rydberg terms of polyatomic molecules including hydrocarbons with triple and double bonds; benzene and benzene derivatives; hydrides with central atom; saturated hydrocarbons; and aldehydes and ketones. This monograph is written primarily for both students and nonspecialists.

This book provides a comprehensive description of the physics of Rydberg atoms, highlighting their remarkable properties by reference to their behavior in a wide range of physical situations. Following an overview of the basic properties of Rydberg atoms, their interactions with electric and magnetic fields are analyzed in detail. The collisions of Rydberg atoms with neutral and charged species are described, and the use of multichannel quantum defect theory in the study of Rydberg atomic systems is discussed.

Higher Excited States of Polyatomic Molecules, Volume I focuses on the spectra in the vacuum-ultraviolet region between 50,000 and 100,000 cm-1. This book explores the higher excitations in molecules beyond 50,000 cm-1. Organized into three chapters, this volume starts with an overview of the excited-state properties of a molecule and the excited-state ionization potential. This book then proceeds with a discussion of the original classification of the properties as well as the types of excitations observed in the vacuum-ultraviolet. Other chapters discuss photoelectron spectroscopy, which is an independent, self-sustaining branch of molecular spectroscopy. This text examines as well the distinction between valence shell and Rydberg excitations. The final chapter deals with several topics, including the saturated molecules that are classified as having all valence electrons, the alkene absorption spectra, and the spectroscopic data on boron compounds. Analytical chemists, photochemists, molecular spectroscopists, and researchers will find this book extremely useful.

This reference book contains information about the structure and properties of atomic and molecular particles, as well as some of the nuclear parameters. It includes data which can be of use when studying atomic and molecular processes in the physics of gases, chemistry of gases and gas optics, in plasma physics and plasma chemistry, in physical chemistry and radiation chemistry, in geophysics, astrophysics, solid-state physics and a variety of cross-discipli nary fields of science and technology. Our aim was to collect carefully selected and estimated numerical values for a wide circle of microscopic parameters in a relatively "not thick" book. These values are of constant use in the work of practical investigators. In essence, the book represents a substantially revised and extended edi tion of our reference book published in Russian in 1980. Two main reasons made it necessary to rework the material. On the one hand, a great deal of new high-quality data has appeared in the past few years and furthermore we have enlisted many sources of information previously inaccessible to us. On the other hand, we have tried to insert extensive information on new, rapidly progressing branches of physical research, such as multiply charged ions, Rydberg atoms, van der Waals and excimer molecules, complex ions, etc. All this brings us to the very edge of studies being carried out in the field.

Comprises a comprehensive reference source that unifies the entire fields of atomic molecular and optical (AMO) physics, assembling the principal ideas, techniques and results of the field. 92 chapters written by about 120 authors present the principal ideas, techniques and results of the field, together with a guide to the primary research literature (carefully edited to ensure a uniform coverage and style, with extensive cross-references). Along with a summary of key ideas, techniques, and results, many chapters offer diagrams of apparatus, graphs, and tables of data. From atomic spectroscopy to applications in comets, one finds contributions from over 100 authors, all leaders in their respective disciplines. Substantially updated and expanded since the original 1996 edition, it now contains several entirely new chapters covering current areas of great research interest that barely existed in 1996, such as Bose-Einstein condensation, quantum information, and cosmological variations of the fundamental constants. A fully-searchable CD- ROM version of the contents accompanies the handbook.