Computational Atomic Physics with Applications in Astrophysics
Syllabus, Master's level, 1FA261
- Code
- 1FA261
- Education cycle
- Second cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Physics A1N
- Grading system
- Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 20 January 2022
- Responsible department
- Department of Physics and Astronomy
Entry requirements
120 credits in science/engineering with Quantum Physics and Computer Programming I. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- account for modelling of atomic systems with modern computational methods
- explain theoretical concepts such as correlation, radiative transitions, resonances in photoionization, and collisional cross-sections
- explain how atomic data is applied in plasma modelling and set up and perform simple calculations in and out of equilibrium
- perform calculations of atomic eigenstates, radiative and collision processes, as well as interpret and discuss the obtained results
- present and defend the computed results in a systematic and scientifically correct way
- reflect on the role of atomic physics in analysing astrophysical plasmas.
Content
Atomic structure: the central-field approximation, electron correlation, and relativistic effects. Atomic processes: radiative and electron-impact excitation and ionization processed related to electromagnetic radiation and electron collisions. Methods: Hartree/Dirac-Fock methods for computing non-relativistic and relativistic atomic structure without electron correlation, configuration-interaction, multi-configurational Hartree/Dirac-Fock to include electron correlation, Z-dependent perturbation theory to estimate how different atomic properties varies with the nuclear charge and R-matrix methods for continuum processes such as ionisation in electron collisions. Applications: atomic data in studies of astrophysical plasmas, basic modelling of plasmas in and out of equilibrium.
Instruction
Lectures, computer exercises and a final project.
Assessment
Oral and written presentation of computational exercises (7 credits) and oral presentation and writte report of the final project (3 credits).
If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.