The objective of this course is to provide a solid background in molecular spectroscopy for graduate students majoring in physical chemistry or related areas so that they can utilize such knowledge in their research.

Solid background in quantum chemistry is required (equivalent to Chem 211 preferably with Chem 510).

Exams (Midterm and Final Exam): 70%
Homework: 20%
Quizzes and misc.: 10%

J. M. Hollas, Modern Spectroscopy, 4rd ed., (Wiley, 2004).
Peter F. Bernath, Spectra of Atoms and Molecules, 2nd ed., Oxford University Press, 2003;
Daniel C. Harris & Michael D. Bertolucci, Symmetry and Spectroscopy, Oxford University Press, 1978;
Wolfgang Demtroder, Laser Spectroscopy: Basic Concepts and Instrumentation, 3rd ed., Springer, 2003;
John Wilson & J.F.B. Hawkes, Lasers Principles and Applications, Prentice Hall, 1987.

Some of the following chapters may be skipped; Detailed plan will be given in the first class meeting.
1 Introduction and review
2 The nature of electromagnetic radiation
3 Electric and magnetic properties of molecules and bulk matter
4 Time-dependent perturbation theory of spectroscopy
5 The time-dependent approach to spectroscopy
6 Experimental considerations: Absorption, emission, and scattering
7 Atomic spectroscopy
Mid-term exam
8 Rotational spectroscopy
9 Vibrational spectroscopy of diatomics
10 Vibrational spectroscopy of polyatomic molecules
11 Electronic spectroscopy
12 Raman and resonance Raman spectroscopy
13 Nonlinear optical spectroscopy
14 Time-resolved spectroscopy
Final exam

- Classroom attitude will be closely monitored to maintain learning atmosphere. You are expected to respect other students and the instructor in classroom. An unjustified absence will lead to 1% off and more than 5 absences to a fail. (For online class: students are supposed to share their own video; otherwise they will be considered to be absent)
- Students are supposed to observe the policies and plans stated in the syllabus that will be distributed at the start of the course.

Students are encouraged to discuss in groups to finish their assignments. However, the work students present must be their own. In order to develop problem solving skills, students are strongly advised to tackle problem sets on their own before getting help from others. Also, do not simply copy answers from classmates nor be copied by others, both of which are considered as academic misconduct or “cheating”. Such misconduct on homework will lead to a penalty on grade.