Molecular Physics

The course starts with a description of how the concept of symmetry can be applied to describe the geometrical structure of molecules. The foundations of group theory are introduced, and then applied to describe molecular structure, electronic structure, the vibrational and rotation motion, as well as deriving selections rules for interaction with electromagnetic radiation. The experimental techniques used to study molecular properties are described. Examples from different areas of experimental molecular physics, such as ultra-fast laser spectroscopy, storage rings for ions, and X-ray and synchrotron based radiation, are used to illustrate the theoretical concepts.