Breakdown of the Born-Oppenheimer Approximation in Diatomic Molecules
Lectures by Professor Robert Field
This lecture series was offered during January 2005 as a follow-up to topics covered in 5.74. Attendance was voluntary and open to any students with a background in quantum mechanics (5.61 or equivalent) and an interest in molecular dynamics.
| SES # | TOPICS |
|---|---|
| 1 |
Introduction to the Spectroscopic Effective Hamiltonian (01:19:04) Lecture 1: Introduction to the Spectroscopic Effective Hamiltonian > Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 471MB) Description The Born-Oppenheimer approximation and matrix elements of terms in the effective molecular Hamiltonian that violate the BO approximation. Vibration, rotation, spin-orbit, interelectronic interaction. Hund's coupling cases. |
| 2 |
Spectroscopic Pertubations, Predissociation, and Autoionization (01:11:24) Lecture 2: Spectroscopic Pertubations, Predissociation, and Autoionization > Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 425MB) Description Introduction to dynamical processes. |
| 3 |
Semiclassical Methods for Calculating Vibrational Overlap Integrals (01:04:46) Lecture 3: Semiclassical Methods for Calculating Vibrational Overlap Integrals > Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 385MB) Description All coupling processes are mediated by vibrational overlap integrals, which are computed numerically. Semiclassical calculation of overlaps reveals physical factors controlling computed values: the length of the stationary phase region is controlled by the slopes of the potential curves at the intersection and the velocity in the crossing region. |
| 4 |
Wavepackets and Landau-Zener (01:31:55) Lecture 4: Wavepackets and Landau-Zener > Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 547MB) Description What happens in the vicinity of a curve crossing? |