Video Lectures

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.

These files are also available on iTunes U and YouTube.

SES # TOPICS VIDEOs
1

Introduction to the Spectroscopic Effective Hamiltonian

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.

(RM - 144.3MB)

(MP3 - 19MB)

2

Spectroscopic Pertubations, Predissociation, and Autoionization

Description

Introduction to dynamical processes.

(RM - 130.3MB)

(MP3 - 17MB)

3

Semiclassical Methods for Calculating Vibrational Overlap Integrals

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.

(RM - 118.1MB)

(MP3 - 16MB)

4

Wavepackets and Landau-Zener

Description

What happens in the vicinity of a curve crossing?

(RM - 167.6MB)

(MP3 - 22MB)