Photons and Atoms Photons and Atoms: Introduction to Quantum Electrodynamics provides the necessary background to understand the various physical processes associated with photon-atom interactions. It starts with elementary quantum theory and classical electrodynamics and progresses to more advanced approaches. A critical comparison is made between these different, although equivalent, formulations of quantum electrodynamics. Using this format, the reader is offered a gradual, yet flexible introduction to quantum electrodynamics, avoiding formal discussions and excessive shortcuts. Complementing each chapter are numerous examples and exercises that can be used independently from the rest of the book to extend each chapter in many disciplines depending on the interests and needs of the reader.

Claude Cohen-Tannoudji is Professor of Physics at the Collège de France. He is the co-author of Quantum Mechanics, published by Wiley. Dr. Cohen-Tannoudji is a member of the French Academy of Sciences, and is a Foreign Associate of the National Academy of Sciences in the United States. He earned his Doctorat en Sciences Physiques in atomic physics at the University of Paris. Jacques Dupont-Roc holds a full-time research position at CNRS within the Laboratoire Kastler Brossel at the Ecole Normale Supérieure. Dr. Dupont-Roc earned his PhD in atomic physics at the University of Paris. Gilbert Grynberg is Professor of Physics at Ecole Polytechnique and maintains a full time research position at CNRS. Dr. Grynberg earned his PhD in atomic physics at the University of Paris.

Classical Electrodynamics: The Fundamental Equations and the Dynamical Variables. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Approach to Electrodynamics; The Standard Lagrangian and the Coulomb Gauge. Quantum Electrodynamics in the Coulomb Gauge. Other Equivalent Formulations of Electrodynamics. Introduction to the Covariant Formulation of Quantum Electrodynamics. References. Index.