PH4042 Concepts in Atomic Physics and Magnetic Resonance

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Not automatically available to General Degree students

Module Staff

TBC

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This first half of the module builds on the atomic physics covered in PH4041 to look at the atomic structure of helium and many-electron atoms, magnetic interactions within the atom (leading to fine and hyperfine splitting), the Zeeman effect, and topics in atom-light interaction. The second half of the module provides an introduction to the main concepts of magnetic resonance, one of the most important probes of atomic structure, and a current research topic within the School. It will include an introduction to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) , liquid state and solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) and Dynamic Nuclear Polarisation (DNP).

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS PH4041

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 80%, Coursework = 20%

Re-assessment

Oral Re-assessment, capped at grade 7

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3 lectures per week with 5 or 6 replaced by a tutorial

Scheduled learning hours

31

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

119

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Additional information from school

PH4042 - Concepts in Atomic Physics and Magnetic Resonance

 

Aims & Objectives

This module introduces the effects of magnetic fields on the energy levels of atoms, starting with the alkali atoms, but then generalizing the concepts to atoms with multiple electrons.  It will be discussed how these effects can be measured as well as their importance for modern concepts in atomic physics such as magnetic resonance and quantum optics.  It therefore serves to bridge between a basic knowledge of atomic physics established in PH4041 and modern research topics.

 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students will have a comprehensive knowledge of topics covered in the lectures and reading. In particular they will be able to:

 

 

  • Explain the influence of a magnetic field on the spectrum of an atom
  • Understand the interplay between spin-orbit coupling, hyperfine coupling and the magnetic field and their influence on the spectrum
  • How the energy spectrum of atoms with multiple electrons can be obtained, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
  • Understand the basic concepts and applications of magnetic resonance (EPR, NMR, MRI, DNP)
  • Explain the basic pulse sequences and experimental techniques used in magnetic resonance
  • Understand relaxation processes in magnetic resonance
  • Explain how NMR and EPR can be used to determine molecular structure and how MRI is used to provide medical imaging.

 

 

Synopsis

The material to be covered is planned along the following lines and timing, but may be subject to changes.

– Brief recapitulation of the basics of atomic spectra and the spin-orbit coupling in alkali atoms.

– Interaction with an external magnetic field: the normal Zeeman effect, anomalous Zeeman effect, and the Paschen-Back Effect.

- Hyperfine structure of spectral lines.  From one electron to many-electron atoms: helium.

- L-S coupling in many-electron atoms and Hund’s rules. Numerical solution of the Schroedinger equation: the Hartree-Fock method

- Basic Concepts in magnetic resonance - spin, population, coherence, rotating frame, relaxation (T1 and T2).  CW and pulse techniques, Bloch equations

- Basic pulse sequences and liquid state NMR

- Solid state NMR, EPR and electron-electron interactions

- Hahn echoes, stimulated echoes, Fourier transform concepts and introduction to 2-D techniques. Microscopic picture of relaxation

– Magnetic Resonance Instrumentation, and Concepts in MRI

- Electron-Nuclear Interactions and Dynamic Nuclear Polarisation (DNP)

 

Additional information on continuous assessment etc.

 Continuous assessment will be in the form of 5 tutorial sheets spread over the semester with equal weighting for each of the problem sets. These may involve reading classic papers or texts, and good websites to support the material covered in lectures. The assessed work will be exam style problems, as well as short essay style questions.

 

 

Accreditation Matters

This module may not contain material that is part of the IOP “Core of Physics”, but does contribute to the wider and deeper learning expected in an accredited degree programme.  The skills developed in this module, and others, contribute towards the requirements of the IOP “Graduate Skill Base”.

 

Recommended Books

Please view University online record: https://sta.rl.talis.com/index.html