Physics Formulary

By ir. J.C.A. Wevers



c 1995, 2008 J.C.A. Wevers Version: July 26, 2008

Dear reader,
This document contains a 108 page LATEX file which contains a lot equations in physics. It is written at advanced
undergraduate/postgraduate level. It is intended to be a short reference for anyone who works with physics and
often needs to look up equations.
This, and a Dutch version of this file, can be obtained from the author, Johan Wevers
(johanw@vulcan.xs4all.nl).
It can also be obtained on the WWW. See http://www.xs4all.nl/˜johanw/index.html, where
also a Postscript version is available.
If you find any errors or have any comments, please let me know. I am always open for suggestions and
possible corrections to the physics formulary.
This document is Copyright 1995, 1998 by J.C.A. Wevers. All rights are reserved. Permission to use, copy
and distribute this unmodified document by any means and for any purpose except profit purposes is hereby
granted. Reproducing this document by any means, included, but not limited to, printing, copying existing
prints, publishing by electronic or other means, implies full agreement to the above non-profit-use clause,
unless upon explicit prior written permission of the author.
This document is provided by the author “as is”, with all its faults. Any express or implied warranties, in-
cluding, but not limited to, any implied warranties of merchantability, accuracy, or fitness for any particular
purpose, are disclaimed. If you use the information in this document, in any way, you do so at your own risk.
The Physics Formulary is made with teTEX and LATEX version 2.09. It can be possible that your LATEX version
has problems compiling the file. The most probable source of problems would be the use of large bezier
curves and/or emTEX specials in pictures. If you prefer the notation in which vectors are typefaced in boldface,
uncomment the redefinition of the \vec command in the TEX file and recompile the file.
Johan Wevers
Contents

Contents I

Physical Constants 1

1 Mechanics 2
1.1 Point-kinetics in a fixed coordinate system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1.1 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1.2 Polar coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 Relative motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3 Point-dynamics in a fixed coordinate system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3.1 Force, (angular)momentum and energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3.2 Conservative force fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3.3 Gravitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3.4 Orbital equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3.5 The virial theorem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.4 Point dynamics in a moving coordinate system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.4.1 Apparent forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.4.2 Tensor notation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.5 Dynamics of masspoint collections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.5.1 The centre of mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.5.2 Collisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.6 Dynamics of rigid bodies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.6.1 Moment of Inertia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.6.2 Principal axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.6.3 Time dependence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.7 Variational Calculus, Hamilton and Lagrange mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.7.1 Variational Calculus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.7.2 Hamilton mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.7.3 Motion around an equilibrium, linearization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.7.4 Phase space, Liouville’s equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.7.5 Generating functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2 Electricity & Magnetism 9

2.1 The Maxwell equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2 Force and potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.3 Gauge transformations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.4 Energy of the electromagnetic field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.5 Electromagnetic waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.5.1 Electromagnetic waves in vacuum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.5.2 Electromagnetic waves in matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.6 Multipoles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.7 Electric currents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.8 Depolarizing field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.9 Mixtures of materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
II Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

3 Relativity 13
3.1 Special relativity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.1.1 The Lorentz transformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.1.2 Red and blue shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.1.3 The stress-energy tensor and the field tensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.2 General relativity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.2.1 Riemannian geometry, the Einstein tensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.2.2 The line element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.2.3 Planetary orbits and the perihelion shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.2.4 The trajectory of a photon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.2.5 Gravitational waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.2.6 Cosmology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4 Oscillations 18
4.1 Harmonic oscillations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.2 Mechanic oscillations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.3 Electric oscillations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.4 Waves in long conductors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.5 Coupled conductors and transformers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.6 Pendulums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

5 Waves 20
5.1 The wave equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.2 Solutions of the wave equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.2.1 Plane waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.2.2 Spherical waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.2.3 Cylindrical waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.2.4 The general solution in one dimension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.3 The stationary phase method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.4 Green functions for the initial-value problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.5 Waveguides and resonating cavities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.6 Non-linear wave equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

6 Optics 24
6.1 The bending of light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.2 Paraxial geometrical optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.2.1 Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.2.2 Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
6.2.3 Principal planes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
6.2.4 Magnification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
6.3 Matrix methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
6.4 Aberrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
6.5 Reflection and transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
6.6 Polarization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
6.7 Prisms and dispersion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
6.8 Diffraction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
6.9 Special optical effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
6.10 The Fabry-Perot interferometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

7 Statistical physics 30
7.1 Degrees of freedom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
7.2 The energy distribution function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
7.3 Pressure on a wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
7.4 The equation of state . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
7.5 Collisions between molecules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers III

7.6 Interaction between molecules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

8 Thermodynamics 33
8.1 Mathematical introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
8.2 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
8.3 Thermal heat capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
8.4 The laws of thermodynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
8.5 State functions and Maxwell relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
8.6 Processes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
8.7 Maximal work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
8.8 Phase transitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
8.9 Thermodynamic potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
8.10 Ideal mixtures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
8.11 Conditions for equilibrium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
8.12 Statistical basis for thermodynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
8.13 Application to other systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

9 Transport phenomena 39
9.1 Mathematical introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
9.2 Conservation laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
9.3 Bernoulli’s equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
9.4 Characterising of flows by dimensionless numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
9.5 Tube flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
9.6 Potential theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
9.7 Boundary layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
9.7.1 Flow boundary layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
9.7.2 Temperature boundary layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
9.8 Heat conductance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
9.9 Turbulence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
9.10 Self organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

10 Quantum physics 45
10.1 Introduction to quantum physics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
10.1.1 Black body radiation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
10.1.2 The Compton effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
10.1.3 Electron diffraction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
10.2 Wave functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
10.3 Operators in quantum physics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
10.4 The uncertainty principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
10.5 The Schrödinger equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
10.6 Parity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
10.7 The tunnel effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
10.8 The harmonic oscillator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
10.9 Angular momentum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
10.10 Spin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
10.11 The Dirac formalism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
10.12 Atomic physics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
10.12.1 Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
10.12.2 Eigenvalue equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
10.12.3 Spin-orbit interaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
10.12.4 Selection rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
10.13 Interaction with electromagnetic fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
10.14 Perturbation theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
10.14.1 Time-independent perturbation theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
10.14.2 Time-dependent perturbation theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
IV Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

10.15 N-particle systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

10.15.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
10.15.2 Molecules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
10.16 Quantum statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

11 Plasma physics 54
11.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
11.2 Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
11.3 Elastic collisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
11.3.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
11.3.2 The Coulomb interaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
11.3.3 The induced dipole interaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
11.3.4 The centre of mass system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
11.3.5 Scattering of light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
11.4 Thermodynamic equilibrium and reversibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
11.5 Inelastic collisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
11.5.1 Types of collisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
11.5.2 Cross sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
11.6 Radiation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
11.7 The Boltzmann transport equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
11.8 Collision-radiative models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
11.9 Waves in plasma’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

12 Solid state physics 62

12.1 Crystal structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
12.2 Crystal binding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
12.3 Crystal vibrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
12.3.1 A lattice with one type of atoms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
12.3.2 A lattice with two types of atoms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
12.3.3 Phonons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
12.3.4 Thermal heat capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
12.4 Magnetic field in the solid state . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
12.4.1 Dielectrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
12.4.2 Paramagnetism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
12.4.3 Ferromagnetism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
12.5 Free electron Fermi gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
12.5.1 Thermal heat capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
12.5.2 Electric conductance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
12.5.3 The Hall-effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
12.5.4 Thermal heat conductivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
12.6 Energy bands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
12.7 Semiconductors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
12.8 Superconductivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
12.8.1 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
12.8.2 The Josephson effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
12.8.3 Flux quantisation in a superconducting ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
12.8.4 Macroscopic quantum interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
12.8.5 The London equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
12.8.6 The BCS model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers V

13 Theory of groups 71
13.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
13.1.1 Definition of a group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
13.1.2 The Cayley table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
13.1.3 Conjugated elements, subgroups and classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
13.1.4 Isomorfism and homomorfism; representations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
13.1.5 Reducible and irreducible representations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
13.2 The fundamental orthogonality theorem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
13.2.1 Schur’s lemma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
13.2.2 The fundamental orthogonality theorem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
13.2.3 Character . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
13.3 The relation with quantum mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
13.3.1 Representations, energy levels and degeneracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
13.3.2 Breaking of degeneracy by a perturbation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
13.3.3 The construction of a base function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
13.3.4 The direct product of representations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
13.3.5 Clebsch-Gordan coefficients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
13.3.6 Symmetric transformations of operators, irreducible tensor operators . . . . . . . . . . 74
13.3.7 The Wigner-Eckart theorem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
13.4 Continuous groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
13.4.1 The 3-dimensional translation group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
13.4.2 The 3-dimensional rotation group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
13.4.3 Properties of continuous groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
13.5 The group SO(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
13.6 Applications to quantum mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
13.6.1 Vectormodel for the addition of angular momentum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
13.6.2 Irreducible tensor operators, matrixelements and selection rules . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
13.7 Applications to particle physics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

14 Nuclear physics 81
14.1 Nuclear forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
14.2 The shape of the nucleus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
14.3 Radioactive decay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
14.4 Scattering and nuclear reactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
14.4.1 Kinetic model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
14.4.2 Quantum mechanical model for n-p scattering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
14.4.3 Conservation of energy and momentum in nuclear reactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
14.5 Radiation dosimetry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

15 Quantum field theory & Particle physics 85

15.1 Creation and annihilation operators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
15.2 Classical and quantum fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
15.3 The interaction picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
15.4 Real scalar field in the interaction picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
15.5 Charged spin-0 particles, conservation of charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
15.6 Field functions for spin- 21 particles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
15.7 Quantization of spin- 21 fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
15.8 Quantization of the electromagnetic field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
15.9 Interacting fields and the S-matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
15.10 Divergences and renormalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
15.11 Classification of elementary particles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
15.12 P and CP-violation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
15.13 The standard model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
15.13.1 The electroweak theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
15.13.2 Spontaneous symmetry breaking: the Higgs mechanism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
VI Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

15.13.3 Quantumchromodynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
15.14 Path integrals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
15.15 Unification and quantum gravity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

16 Astrophysics 96
16.1 Determination of distances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
16.2 Brightness and magnitudes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
16.3 Radiation and stellar atmospheres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
16.4 Composition and evolution of stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
16.5 Energy production in stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

The ∇-operator 99

The SI units 100

 Physical Constants

Name Symbol Value Unit

Number π π 3.14159265358979323846
Number e e
n 2.71828182845904523536


Euler’s constant γ = lim 1/k − ln(n) = 0.5772156649
n→∞ k=1

Elementary charge e 1.60217733 · 10 −19 C

Gravitational constant G, κ 6.67259 · 10 −11 m3 kg−1 s−2
Fine-structure constant α = e 2 /2hcε0 ≈ 1/137
Speed of light in vacuum c 2.99792458 · 10 8 m/s (def)
Permittivity of the vacuum ε0 8.854187 · 10−12 F/m
Permeability of the vacuum µ0 4π · 10−7 H/m
(4πε0 )−1 8.9876 · 109 Nm2 C−2
Planck’s constant h 6.6260755 · 10 −34 Js
Dirac’s constant h̄ = h/2π 1.0545727 · 10−34 Js
Bohr magneton µ B = eh̄/2me 9.2741 · 10−24 Am2
Bohr radius a0 0.52918 Å
Rydberg’s constant Ry 13.595 eV
Electron Compton wavelength λ Ce = h/me c 2.2463 · 10−12 m
Proton Compton wavelength λ Cp = h/mp c 1.3214 · 10−15 m
Reduced mass of the H-atom µH 9.1045755 · 10−31 kg
Stefan-Boltzmann’s constant σ 5.67032 · 10 −8 Wm−2 K−4
Wien’s constant kW 2.8978 · 10−3 mK
Molar gasconstant R 8.31441 J·mol −1 ·K−1
Avogadro’s constant NA 6.0221367 · 1023 mol−1
Boltzmann’s constant k = R/N A 1.380658 · 10−23 J/K
Electron mass me 9.1093897 · 10−31 kg
Proton mass mp 1.6726231 · 10−27 kg
Neutron mass mn 1.674954 · 10−27 kg
Elementary mass unit mu = 1 12
12 m( 6 C) 1.6605656 · 10−27 kg
Nuclear magneton µN 5.0508 · 10−27 J/T
Diameter of the Sun D 1392 · 106 m
Mass of the Sun M 1.989 · 1030 kg
Rotational period of the Sun T 25.38 days
Radius of Earth RA 6.378 · 106 m
Mass of Earth MA 5.976 · 1024 kg
Rotational period of Earth TA 23.96 hours
Earth orbital period Tropical year 365.24219879 days
Astronomical unit AU 1.4959787066 · 10 11 m
Light year lj 9.4605 · 10 15 m
Parsec pc 3.0857 · 1016 m
Hubble constant H ≈ (75 ± 25) km·s −1 ·Mpc−1
Chapter 1

Mechanics

1.1 Point-kinetics in a fixed coordinate system

1.1.1 Definitions
The position r, the velocity v and the acceleration a are defined by: r = (x, y, z), v = (ẋ, ẏ, ż), a = (ẍ, ÿ, z̈).
The following holds:
  
s(t) = s0 + |v (t)|dt ; r(t) = r0 + v (t)dt ; v (t) = v0 + a(t)dt

When the acceleration is constant this gives: v(t) = v 0 + at and s(t) = s0 + v0 t + 12 at2 .
For the unit vectors in a direction ⊥ to the orbit e t and parallel to it e n holds:

v dr ˙ v e˙t
et = = et = en ; en =
|v | ds ρ |e˙t |

For the curvature k and the radius of curvature ρ holds:

 
2  
k = det = d r =  dϕ  ; ρ = 1
ds ds 2  ds  |k|

1.1.2 Polar coordinates

Polar coordinates are defined by: x = r cos(θ), y = r sin(θ). So, for the unit coordinate vectors holds:
e˙r = θ̇eθ , e˙θ = −θ̇er
The velocity and the acceleration are derived from: r = re r , v = ṙer + rθ̇eθ , a = (r̈ − rθ̇2 )er + (2ṙ θ̇ + rθ̈)eθ .

1.2 Relative motion

ω × vQ  = rD − rQ and ω = θ̇.
For the motion of a point D w.r.t. a point Q holds: r D = rQ + with QD
ω2
Further holds: α = θ̈.  means that the quantity is defined in a moving system of coordinates. In a moving
system holds:
v = vQ + v  + 
ω × r  and a = aQ + a  + α
 × r  + 2ω × v  + ω × (ω × r  )
 2 
ω × (
with  ω × r ) = −ω r n

1.3 Point-dynamics in a fixed coordinate system

1.3.1 Force, (angular)momentum and energy
Newton’s 2nd law connects the force on an object and the resulting acceleration of the object where the mo-
mentum is given by p = mv :

d
p d(mv ) dv dm m=const
F (r, v , t) = = =m + v = ma
dt dt dt dt
Chapter 1: Mechanics 3

Newton’s 3rd law is given by: Faction = −Freaction .

For the power P holds: P = Ẇ = F · v . For the total energy W , the kinetic energy T and the potential energy
U holds: W = T + U ; Ṫ = −U̇ with T = 12 mv 2 .

 is given by: S
The kick S  = ∆ p = F dt

2 2
The work A, delivered by a force, is A = F · ds = F cos(α)ds
1 1

 τ = L
The torque τ is related to the angular momentum L: ˙ = r × F ; and
 = r × p = mv × r, |L|
L  = mr2 ω. The following equation is valid:

∂U
τ =−
∂θ
 
Hence, the conditions for a mechanical equilibrium are: Fi = 0 and τi = 0.
The force of friction is usually proportional to the force perpendicular to the surface, except when the motion
starts, when a threshold has to be overcome: F fric = f · Fnorm · et .

1.3.2 Conservative force fields

A conservative force can be written as the gradient of a potential: Fcons = −∇U
 . From this follows that

∇ × F = 0. For such a force field also holds:

 r1
F · ds = 0 ⇒ U = U0 − F · ds
r0

So the work delivered by a conservative force field depends not on the trajectory covered but only on the
starting and ending points of the motion.

1.3.3 Gravitation
The Newtonian law of gravitation is (in GRT one also uses κ instead of G):
m1 m2
Fg = −G 2 er
r
The gravitational potential is then given by V = −Gm/r. From Gauss law it then follows: ∇ 2 V = 4πG3.

1.3.4 Orbital equations

If V = V (r) one can derive from the equations of Lagrange for φ the conservation of angular momentum:
∂L ∂V d
= = 0 ⇒ (mr2 φ) = 0 ⇒ Lz = mr2 φ = constant
∂φ ∂φ dt
For the radial position as a function of time can be found that:

2
dr 2(W − V ) L2
= − 2 2
dt m m r
The angular equation is then:
r  2  −1

mr 2(W − V ) L2 r −2 field
1
r − 1
r0
φ − φ0 = − 2 2 dr = arccos 1 + 1
L m m r r0 + km/L2z
0

If F = F (r): L =constant, if F is conservative: W =constant, if F ⊥ v then ∆T = 0 and U = 0.

4 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

Kepler’s orbital equations

In a force field F = kr −2 , the orbits are conic sections with the origin of the force in one of the foci (Kepler’s
1st law). The equation of the orbit is:
5
r(θ) = , or: x2 + y 2 = (5 − εx)2
1 + ε cos(θ − θ0 )
with
L2 2W L2 5 5 k
5= ; ε2 = 1 + 2 3 2 = 1 − ; a = =
2
Gµ Mtot G µ Mtot a 1−ε 2 2W
a is half the√
length of the long axis of the elliptical orbit in case the orbit is closed. Half the length of the short
axis is b = a5. ε is the excentricity of the orbit. Orbits with an equal ε are of equal shape. Now, 5 types of
orbits are possible:
1. k < 0 and ε = 0: a circle.
2. k < 0 and 0 < ε < 1: an ellipse.
3. k < 0 and ε = 1: a parabole.
4. k < 0 and ε > 1: a hyperbole, curved towards the centre of force.
5. k > 0 and ε > 1: a hyperbole, curved away from the centre of force.
Other combinations are not possible: the total energy in a repulsive force field is always positive so ε > 1.
If the surface between the orbit covered between t 1 and t2 and the focus C around which the planet moves is
A(t1 , t2 ), Kepler’s 2nd law is
LC
A(t1 , t2 ) = (t2 − t1 )
2m
Kepler’s 3rd law is, with T the period and M tot the total mass of the system:
T2 4π 2
3
=
a GMtot

1.3.5 The virial theorem

The virial theorem for one particle is:
  
dU k
mv · r = 0 ⇒ T  = − 12 F · r = 1
2 r = 12 n U  if U = − n
dr r
The virial theorem for a collection of particles is:
 
 
T  = − 12 Fi · ri + Fij · rij
particles pairs

These propositions can also be written as: 2E kin + Epot = 0.

1.4 Point dynamics in a moving coordinate system

1.4.1 Apparent forces
The total force in a moving coordinate system can be found by subtracting the apparent forces from the forces
working in the reference frame: F  = F − Fapp . The different apparent forces are given by:
1. Transformation of the origin: F or = −maa
α × r 
2. Rotation: Fα = −m
3. Coriolis force: Fcor = −2m
ω × v
2
mv
4. Centrifugal force: Fcf = mω 2rn  = −Fcp ; Fcp = − er
r
Chapter 1: Mechanics 5

1.4.2 Tensor notation

Transformation of the Newtonian equations of motion to x α = xα (x) gives:

dxα ∂xα dx̄β

= ;
dt ∂ x̄β dt
The chain rule gives:



d dxα d2 xα d ∂xα dx̄β ∂xα d2 x̄β dx̄β d ∂xα
= 2
= = +
dt dt dt dt ∂ x̄β dt ∂ x̄β dt2 dt dt ∂ x̄β
so:
d ∂xα ∂ ∂xα dx̄γ ∂ 2 xα dx̄γ
β
= γ β
=
dt ∂ x̄ ∂ x̄ ∂ x̄ dt ∂ x̄β ∂ x̄γ dt
This leads to:

d2 xα ∂xα d2 x̄β ∂ 2 xα dx̄γ dx̄β
= +
dt2 ∂ x̄β dt2 ∂ x̄β ∂ x̄γ dt dt
Hence the Newtonian equation of motion
d2 xα
m = Fα
dt2
will be transformed into:  
d2 xα dxβ dxγ
m 2
+ Γα
βγ = Fα
dt dt dt
dxβ dxγ
The apparent forces are taken from he origin to the effect side in the way Γ α
βγ .
dt dt

1.5 Dynamics of masspoint collections

1.5.1 The centre of mass
˙ The coordinates of the centre of mass are given by:
 is given by v − R.
The velocity w.r.t. the centre of mass R

miri
rm = 
mi

In a 2-particle system, the coordinates of the centre of mass are given by:

 = m1r1 + m2r2
R
m1 + m2

With r = r1 − r2 , the kinetic energy becomes: T = 12 Mtot Ṙ2 + 12 µṙ2 , with the reduced mass µ given by:
1 1 1
= +
µ m1 m2
The motion within and outside the centre of mass can be separated:

˙ outside = τoutside ; L
L ˙ inside = τinside

p = mvm ; Fext = mam ; F12 = µu

1.5.2 Collisions
With collisions, where B are the coordinates of the collision and C an arbitrary other position, holds: p = mv m
 = ∆
is constant, and T = 12 mvm2 is constant. The changes in the relative velocities can be derived from: S p=
 C = CB
µ(vaft − vbefore ). Further holds ∆ L  × S,
 p  S =constant and L  w.r.t. B is constant.
6 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

1.6 Dynamics of rigid bodies

1.6.1 Moment of Inertia
The angular momentum in a moving coordinate system is given by:
  = I
L 
ω+L n

where I is the moment of inertia with respect to a central axis, which is given by:

I= miri 2 ; T  = Wrot = 12 ωIij eiej = 12 Iω 2
i

or, in the continuous case:  

m
r n dV = r n dm
2 2
I=
V
Further holds: 
Li = I ij ωj ; Iii = Ii ; Iij = Iji = − mk xi xj
k

Steiner’s theorem is: Iw.r.t.D = Iw.r.t.C + m(DM )2 if axis C  axis D.

Object I Object I

Cavern cylinder I = mR 2 Massive cylinder I = 12 mR2

Disc, axis in plane disc through m I = 14 mR2 Halter I = 12 µR2
Cavern sphere I = 23 mR2 Massive sphere I = 25 mR2
Bar, axis ⊥ through c.o.m. I= 1
12 ml
2
Bar, axis ⊥ through end I = 13 ml2
Rectangle, axis ⊥ plane thr. c.o.m. I= 1
12 m(a
2
+ b2 ) Rectangle, axis  b thr. m I = ma 2

1.6.2 Principal axes

Each rigid body has (at least) 3 principal axes which stand ⊥ to each other. For a principal axis holds:
∂I ∂I ∂I
= = = 0 so Ln = 0
∂ωx ∂ωy ∂ωz

Ii − Ij
The following holds: ω̇ k = −aijk ωi ωj with aijk = if I1 ≤ I2 ≤ I3 .
Ik

1.6.3 Time dependence

For torque of force τ holds:
d L

τ  = I θ̈ ; = τ  − ω × L

dt

The torque T is defined by: T = F × d.

1.7 Variational Calculus, Hamilton and Lagrange mechanics

1.7.1 Variational Calculus
Starting with:
b

du d
δ L(q, q̇, t)dt = 0 with δ(a) = δ(b) = 0 and δ = (δu)
dx dx
a
Chapter 1: Mechanics 7

the equations of Lagrange can be derived:

d ∂L ∂L
=
dt ∂ q̇i ∂qi
When there are additional conditions applying to the variational problem δJ(u) = 0 of the type
K(u) =constant, the new problem becomes: δJ(u) − λδK(u) = 0.

1.7.2 Hamilton mechanics

 
The Lagrangian is given by: L = T (q̇i ) − V (qi ). The Hamiltonian is given by: H = q̇i pi − L. In 2
dimensions holds: L = T − U = 12 m(ṙ2 + r2 φ̇2 ) − U (r, φ).
If the used coordinates are canonical the Hamilton equations are the equations of motion for the system:

dqi ∂H dpi ∂H
= ; =−
dt ∂pi dt ∂qi

Coordinates are canonical if the following holds: {q i , qj } = 0, {pi , pj } = 0, {qi , pj } = δij where {, } is the
Poisson bracket:
  ∂A ∂B ∂A ∂B

{A, B} = −
i
∂qi ∂pi ∂pi ∂qi

The Hamiltonian of a Harmonic oscillator is given by H(x, p) = p 2 /2m + 12 mω 2 x2 . With new coordinates
 √
(θ, I), obtained by the canonical transformation x = 2I/mω cos(θ) and p = − 2Imω sin(θ), with inverse
θ = arctan(−p/mωx) and I = p2 /2mω + 12 mωx2 it follows: H(θ, I) = ωI.
The Hamiltonian of a charged particle with charge q in an external electromagnetic field is given by:

1  2
H=  + qV
p − q A
2m
This Hamiltonian can be derived from the Hamiltonian of a free particle H = p 2 /2m with the transformations
 and H → H − qV . This is elegant from a relativistic point of view: this is equivalent to the
p → p − q A
transformation of the momentum 4-vector p α → pα − qAα . A gauge transformation on the potentials A α
corresponds with a canonical transformation, which make the Hamilton equations the equations of motion for
the system.

1.7.3 Motion around an equilibrium, linearization

For natural systems around equilibrium the following equations are valid:


2 
∂V ∂ V
= 0 ; V (q) = V (0) + Vik qi qk with Vik =
∂qi 0 ∂qi ∂qk 0

With T = 12 (Mik q̇i q̇k ) one receives the set of equations M q̈ + V q = 0. If q i (t) = ai exp(iωt) is substituted,
this set of equations has solutions if det(V − ω 2 M ) = 0. This leads to the eigenfrequencies of the problem:
aT V ak
ωk2 = Tk . If the equilibrium is stable holds: ∀k that ω k2 > 0. The general solution is a superposition if
ak M ak
eigenvibrations.

1.7.4 Phase space, Liouville’s equation

In phase space holds:


 ∂  ∂ 
∂ ∂H ∂ ∂H

∇= , so ∇ · v = −
i
∂qi i ∂pi i
∂qi ∂pi ∂pi ∂qi
8 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

If the equation of continuity, ∂ t 3 + ∇ · (3v ) = 0 holds, this can be written as:

∂3
{3, H} + =0
∂t
For an arbitrary quantity A holds:
dA ∂A
= {A, H} +
dt ∂t
Liouville’s theorem can than be written as:

d3
= 0 ; or: pdq = constant
dt

1.7.5 Generating functions

Starting with the coordinate transformation:

Qi = Qi (qi , pi , t)
Pi = Pi (qi , pi , t)

one can derive the following Hamilton equations with the new Hamiltonian K:

dQi ∂K dPi ∂K
= ; =−
dt ∂Pi dt ∂Qi
Now, a distinction between 4 cases can be made:
dF1 (qi , Qi , t)
1. If pi q̇i − H = Pi Qi − K(Pi , Qi , t) − , the coordinates follow from:
dt
∂F1 ∂F1 ∂F1
pi = ; Pi = − ; K =H+
∂qi ∂Qi ∂t

dF2 (qi , Pi , t)
2. If pi q̇i − H = −Ṗi Qi − K(Pi , Qi , t) + , the coordinates follow from:
dt
∂F2 ∂F2 ∂F2
pi = ; Qi = ; K=H+
∂qi ∂Pi ∂t

dF3 (pi , Qi , t)
3. If −ṗi qi − H = Pi Q̇i − K(Pi , Qi , t) + , the coordinates follow from:
dt
∂F3 ∂F3 ∂F3
qi = − ; Pi = − ; K =H+
∂pi ∂Qi ∂t

dF4 (pi , Pi , t)
4. If −ṗi qi − H = −Pi Qi − K(Pi , Qi , t) + , the coordinates follow from:
dt
∂F4 ∂F4 ∂F4
qi = − ; Qi = ; K=H+
∂pi ∂pi ∂t

The functions F 1 , F2 , F3 and F4 are called generating functions.

Chapter 2

Electricity & Magnetism

2.1 The Maxwell equations

The classical electromagnetic field can be described by the Maxwell equations. Those can be written both as
differential and integral equations:


(D · n )d2 A = Qfree,included  = ρfree
∇·D


(B · n )d2 A = 0  =0
∇·B
 
 · ds = − dΦ
E ∇×E = − ∂B
 dt ∂t
dΨ 
 · ds = Ifree,included +
H ∇×H = Jfree + ∂ D
dt ∂t
 
For the fluxes holds: Ψ =  · n )d2 A, Φ =
(D (B · n )d2 A.

 polarization P and electric field strength E

The electric displacement D,  depend on each other according to:
 np20
 = ε0 E
D  + P = ε0 εr E,
 P = p0 /Vol, εr = 1 + χe , with χe =

3ε0 kT
 the magnetization M
The magnetic field strength H,  and the magnetic flux density B
 depend on each other
according to:

 = µ0 (H
B  +M  M
 ) = µ0 µr H,  =  m/Vol,
 µr = 1 + χm , with χm =
µ0 nm20
3kT

2.2 Force and potential

The force and the electric field between 2 point charges are given by:

Q1 Q2 
F12 =  = F
er ; E
4πε0 εr r 2 Q
The Lorentzforce is the force which is felt by a charged particle that moves through a magnetic field. The
 ) = l(I × B
origin of this force is a relativistic transformation of the Coulomb force: FL = Q(v × B  ).

The magnetic field in point P which results from an electric current is given by the law of Biot-Savart, also
known as the law of Laplace. In here, dl  I and r points from dl to P :

P = µ0 I 
dB dl × er
4πr2
If the current is time-dependent one has to take retardation into account: the substitution I(t) → I(t − r/c)
has to be applied.
2
The potentials are given by: V 12 = −  · ds and A
E  = 1B
2
 × r.
1
10 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

Here, the freedom remains to apply a gauge transformation. The fields can be derived from the potentials as
follows:

 = −∇V − ∂ A , B
E  = ∇×A 
∂t
 = v × E.
Further holds the relation: c 2 B 

2.3 Gauge transformations

The potentials of the electromagnetic fields transform as follows when a gauge transformation is applied:

 A = A − ∇f
∂f
 V =V +
∂t
 and B
so the fields E  do not change. This results in a canonical transformation of the Hamiltonian. Further,
the freedom remains to apply a limiting condition. Two common choices are:

1. Lorentz-gauge: ∇ · A  + 1 ∂V = 0. This separates the differential equations for A and V : ✷V = − ρ ,

2
c ∂t ε0
✷A = −µ0 J.
 = 0. If ρ = 0 and J = 0 holds V = 0 and follows A
2. Coulomb gauge: ∇ · A  from ✷A
 = 0.

2.4 Energy of the electromagnetic field

The energy density of the electromagnetic field is:
 
dW
= w = HdB + EdD
dVol
The energy density can be expressed in the potentials and currents as follows:
 
wmag = 12 J · A  d3 x , wel = 1 ρV d3 x
2

2.5 Electromagnetic waves

2.5.1 Electromagnetic waves in vacuum
The wave equation ✷Ψ(r, t) = −f (r, t) has the general solution, with c = (ε 0 µ0 )−1/2 :

f (r, t − |r − r  |/c) 3 
Ψ(r, t) = d r
4π|r − r  |
 r , t) = J(
If this is written as: J(  r ) exp(−iωt) and A(  r , t) = A(
 r ) exp(−iωt) with:
 
 µ   exp(ik| r − r  |) 3  1  exp(ik|r − r  |) 3 
A(r ) = J(r ) d 
r , V (
r ) = ρ(
r ) d r
4π |r − r  | 4πε |r − r  |
A derivation via multipole expansion will show that for the radiated energy holds, if d, λ  r:
 2
dP k2  
=  J⊥ (r  )eik·r d3 r 
dΩ 2
32π ε0 c  
The energy density of the electromagnetic wave of a vibrating dipole at a large distance is:
p20 sin2 (θ)ω 4 p20 sin2 (θ)ω 4 ck 4 |
p |2
w = ε0 E 2 = sin2 (kr − ωt) , wt = , P =
16π 2 ε0 r2 c4 2
32π ε0 r c2 4 12πε0
The radiated energy can be derived from the Poynting vector S:  S=E  ×H  = cWev . The irradiance is the
 |t . The radiation pressure p s is given by ps = (1 + R)|S
time-averaged of the Poynting vector: I = | S  |/c,
where R is the coefficient of reflection.
Chapter 2: Electricity & Magnetism 11

2.5.2 Electromagnetic waves in matter

The wave equations in matter, with c mat = (εµ)−1/2 the lightspeed in matter, are:



∂2 µ ∂  ∂2 µ ∂ 
∇2 − εµ 2 − E =0, ∇2 − εµ 2 − B=0
∂t ρ ∂t ∂t ρ ∂t

 = E exp(i(k ·r −ωt)) and B

give, after substitution of monochromatic plane waves: E  = B exp(i(k ·r −ωt))
the dispersion relation:
iµω
k 2 = εµω 2 +
ρ
The first term arises from the displacement current, the second from the conductance current. If k is written in
the form k := k  + ik  it follows that:
 !  !
   
 1  1
k  = ω 12 εµ 1 + 1 + and k  = ω 12 εµ −1 + 1 +
(ρεω)2 (ρεω)2

 = E exp(−k n ·r ) exp(i(k n ·r − ωt)). If the material is a good conductor,
This results in a damped wave: E 
µω
the wave vanishes after approximately one wavelength, k = (1 + i) .
2ρ

2.6 Multipoles
∞
 l
1 1 r Q  kn
Because 
= Pl (cos θ) the potential can be written as: V =
|r − r | r 0 r 4πε n rn

For the lowest-order terms this results in:

"
• Monopole: l = 0, k 0 = ρdV
"
• Dipole: l = 1, k1 = r cos(θ)ρdV

• Quadrupole: l = 2, k 2 = 12 (3zi2 − ri2 )
i

1. The electric dipole: dipole moment: p = Qle , where e goes from ⊕ to , and F = (  ext , and
p · ∇)E
W = − 
p · Eout .

 ≈ Q 3p · r
Electric field: E − p
  out
. The torque is: τ = p × E
4πεr3 r2
√
2. The magnetic dipole: dipole moment: if r  A: µ = I × (Ae⊥ ), F = (µ · ∇)B  out
2
mv⊥
|µ| = , W = −µ×B  out
2B

 −µ 3µ · r
Magnetic field: B = −µ  . The moment is: τ = µ × B  out
4πr3 r2

2.7 Electric currents

∂ρ
The continuity equation for charge is: + ∇ · J = 0. The electric current is given by:
∂t

dQ
I= = (J · n )d2 A
dt

For most conductors holds: J = E/ρ,

 where ρ is the resistivity.
12 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

dΦ
If the flux enclosed by a conductor changes this results in an induced voltage V ind = −N . If the current
dt
flowing through a conductor changes, this results in a self-inductance which opposes the original change:
dI
Vselfind = −L . If a conductor encloses a flux Φ holds: Φ = LI.
dt
µN I
The magnetic induction within a coil is approximated by: B = √ where l is the length, R the radius
l + 4R2
2
and N the number of coils. The energy contained within a coil is given by W = 12 LI 2 and L = µN 2 A/l.
The capacity is defined by: C = Q/V . For a capacitor holds: C = ε 0 εr A/d where d is the distance between
the plates and A the surface of one plate. The electric field strength between the plates is E = σ/ε 0 = Q/ε0 A
where σ is the surface charge. The accumulated energy is given by W = 12 CV 2 . The current through a
dV
capacity is given by I = −C .
dt
For most PTC resistors holds approximately: R = R 0 (1 + αT ), where R0 = ρl/A. For a NTC holds:
R(T ) = C exp(−B/T ) where B and C depend only on the material.
If a current flows through two different, connecting conductors x and y, the contact area will heat up or cool
down, depending on the direction of the current: the Peltier effect. The generated or removed heat is given by:
W = Πxy It. This effect can be amplified with semiconductors.
The thermic voltage between 2 metals is given by: V = γ(T − T 0 ). For a Cu-Konstantane connection holds:
γ ≈ 0.2 − 0.7 mV/K.

In an electrical net with only
 stationary
 currents, Kirchhoff’s equations apply: for a knot holds: In = 0,
along a closed path holds: Vn = In Rn = 0.

2.8 Depolarizing field

If a dielectric material is placed in an electric or magnetic field, the field strength within and outside the
material will change because the material will be polarized or magnetized. If the medium has an ellipsoidal
 0 or B
shape and one of the principal axes is parallel with the external field E  0 then the depolarizing is field
homogeneous.

0 = − N P

E dep = E
 mat − E
ε0
  
Hdep = Hmat − H0 = −N M 

N is a constant depending only on the shape of the object placed in the field, with 0 ≤ N ≤ 1. For a few
limiting cases of an ellipsoid holds: a thin plane: N = 1, a long, thin bar: N = 0, a sphere: N = 13 .

2.9 Mixtures of materials

The average electric displacement in a material which is inhomogenious on a mesoscopic scale is given by:

−1
φ2 (1 − x)
D = εE = ε∗ E where ε∗ = ε1 1 − where x = ε1 /ε2 . For a sphere holds: Φ =
Φ(ε∗ /ε2 )
1 2
3 + 3 x. Further holds:
−1
 φi 
≤ ε∗ ≤ φi εi
i
εi i
Chapter 3

Relativity

3.1 Special relativity

3.1.1 The Lorentz transformation
The Lorentz transformation (x  , t ) = (x  (x, t), t (x, t)) leaves the wave equation invariant if c is invariant:

∂2 ∂2 ∂2 1 ∂2 ∂2 ∂2 ∂2 1 ∂2
+ + − = + + −
∂x2 ∂y 2 ∂z 2 c2 ∂t2 ∂x2 ∂y 2 ∂z 2 c2 ∂t2

This transformation can also be found when ds 2 = ds2 is demanded. The general form of the Lorentz
transformation is given by:


 (γ − 1)(x · v )v  x · v
x = x + − γv t , t = γ t − 2
|v|2 c

where
1
γ=
2
1 − v2
c
The velocity difference v  between two observers transforms according to:


−1

 v1 · v2 v1 · v2
v = γ 1 − v2 + (γ − 1) 2 v1 − γv1
c2 v1

If the velocity is parallel to the x-axis, this becomes y  = y, z  = z and:

x = γ(x − vt) , x = γ(x + vt )



 xv   x v v2 − v1
t =γ t− 2 , t=γ t + 2 , v = v1 v2
c c 1− 2
c
If v = vex holds:

βW
px = γ px − , W  = γ(W − vpx )
c
With β = v/c the electric field of a moving charge is given by:

 = Q (1 − β 2 )er
E
4πε0 r2 (1 − β 2 sin2 (θ))3/2

The electromagnetic field transforms according to:


 − v × E

  + v × B
E = γ(E ) , B =γ  B
c 2

Length, mass and time transform according to: ∆t r = γ∆t0 , mr = γm0 , lr = l0 /γ, with 0 the quantities
in a co-moving reference frame and r the quantities in a frame moving with velocity v w.r.t. it. The proper
time τ is defined as: dτ 2 = ds2 /c2 , so ∆τ = ∆t/γ. For energy and momentum holds: W = m r c2 = γW0 ,
14 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

W 2 = m20 c4 + p2 c2 . p = mr v = γm0 v = W v/c2 , and pc = W β where β = v/c. The force is defined by

F = d
p/dt.
4-vectors have the property that their modulus is independent of the observer: their components can change
after a coordinate transformation but not their modulus. The difference of two 4-vectors transforms also as
α dxα
a 4-vector. The 4-vector for the velocity is given by U = . The relation with the “common” velocity
dτ
u := dx /dt is: U = (γu , icγ). For particles with nonzero restmass holds: U α Uα = −c2 , for particles
i i α i

with zero restmass (so with v = c) holds: U α Uα = 0. The 4-vector for energy and momentum is given by:
pα = m0 U α = (γpi , iW/c). So: pα pα = −m20 c2 = p2 − W 2 /c2 .

3.1.2 Red and blue shift

There are three causes of red and blue shifts:


f v cos(ϕ)
1. Motion: with e v · er = cos(ϕ) follows: =γ 1− .
f c
This can give both red- and blueshift, also ⊥ to the direction of motion.
∆f κM
2. Gravitational redshift: = 2.
f rc
3. Redshift because the universe expands, resulting in e.g. the cosmic background radiation:
λ0 R0
= .
λ1 R1

3.1.3 The stress-energy tensor and the field tensor

The stress-energy tensor is given by:
1 # $
Tµν = (3c2 + p)uµ uν + pgµν + 2
Fµα Fνα + 14 gµν F αβ Fαβ
c
The conservation laws can than be written as: ∇ ν T µν = 0. The electromagnetic field tensor is given by:

∂Aβ ∂Aα
Fαβ = α
−
∂x ∂xβ

 iV /c) and Jµ := (J,

with Aµ := (A,  icρ). The Maxwell equations can than be written as:

∂ν F µν = µ0 J µ , ∂λ Fµν + ∂µ Fνλ + ∂ν Fλµ = 0

The equations of motion for a charged particle in an EM field become with the field tensor:

dpα
= qFαβ uβ
dτ

3.2 General relativity

3.2.1 Riemannian geometry, the Einstein tensor
The basic principles of general relativity are:
1. The geodesic postulate: free falling particles move along geodesics of space-time with the proper time
τ or arc length s as parameter. For particles with "zero rest mass (photons), the use of a free parameter is
required because for them holds ds = 0. From δ ds = 0 the equations of motion can be derived:

d2 xα dxβ dxγ
2
+ Γα
βγ =0
ds ds ds
Chapter 3: Relativity 15

2. The principle of equivalence: inertial mass ≡ gravitational mass ⇒ gravitation is equivalent with a
curved space-time were particles move along geodesics.
3. By a proper choice of the coordinate system it is possible to make the metric locally flat in each point
xi : gαβ (xi ) = ηαβ :=diag(−1, 1, 1, 1).
µ
The Riemann tensor is defined as: R ναβ T ν := ∇α ∇β T µ − ∇β ∇α T µ , where the covariant derivative is given
by ∇j ai = ∂j ai + Γijk ak and ∇j ai = ∂j ai − Γkij ak . Here,


g il ∂glj ∂glk ∂gj k ∂ 2 x̄l ∂xi
i
Γjk = + − , for Euclidean spaces this reduces to: Γ i
jk = ,
2 ∂xk ∂xj ∂xl ∂xj ∂xk ∂ x̄l
µ
are the Christoffel symbols. For a second-order tensor holds: [∇ α , ∇β ]Tνµ = Rσαβ Tνσ + Rναβ
σ
Tσµ , ∇k aij =
j il
∂k aj − Γkj al + Γkl aj , ∇k aij = ∂k aij − Γki alj − Γkj ajl and ∇k a = ∂k a + Γkl a + Γkl a . The following
i l i i l l l ij ij i lj

βν − ∂ν Γβµ + Γσµ Γβν − Γσν Γβµ .

α
holds: Rβµν = ∂µ Γα α α σ α σ

µ
The Ricci tensor is a contraction of the Riemann tensor: R αβ := Rαµβ , which is symmetric: Rαβ = Rβα .
The Bianchi identities are: ∇ λ Rαβµν + ∇ν Rαβλµ + ∇µ Rαβνλ = 0.
The Einstein tensor is given by: G αβ := Rαβ − 12 g αβ R, where R := Rα
α
is the Ricci scalar, for which
" 
holds: ∇β Gαβ = 0. With the variational principle δ (L(gµν ) − Rc /16πκ) |g|d4 x = 0 for variations
2

gµν → gµν + δgµν the Einstein field equations can be derived:

8πκ 8πκ
Gαβ = Tαβ , which can also be written as R αβ = (Tαβ − 12 gαβ Tµµ )
c2 c2
For empty space this is equivalent to R αβ = 0. The equation R αβµν = 0 has as only solution a flat space.
The Einstein equations are 10 independent equations, which are of second order in g µν . From this, the Laplace
equation from Newtonian gravitation can be derived by stating: g µν = ηµν + hµν , where |h|  1. In the
stationary case, this results in ∇2 h00 = 8πκ3/c2 .
8πκ
The most general form of the field equations is: R αβ − 12 gαβ R + Λgαβ = Tαβ
c2
where Λ is the cosmological constant. This constant plays a role in inflatory models of the universe.

3.2.2 The line element

 ∂ x̄k ∂ x̄k
The metric tensor in an Euclidean space is given by: g ij = .
∂xi ∂xj
k

In general holds: ds = gµν dx dx . In special relativity this becomes ds 2 = −c2 dt2 + dx2 + dy 2 + dz 2 .
2 µ ν

This metric, ηµν :=diag(−1, 1, 1, 1), is called the Minkowski metric.

The external Schwarzschild metric applies in vacuum outside a spherical mass distribution, and is given by:


−1
2m 2 2 2m
ds = −1 +
2
c dt + 1 − dr2 + r2 dΩ2
r r

Here, m := M κ/c2 is the geometrical mass of an object with mass M , and dΩ 2 = dθ2 + sin2 θdϕ2 . This
metric is singular for r = 2m = 2κM/c 2 . If an object is smaller than its event horizon 2m, that implies that
its escape velocity is > c, it is called a black hole. The Newtonian limit of this metric is given by:

ds2 = −(1 + 2V )c2 dt2 + (1 − 2V )(dx2 + dy 2 + dz 2 )

where V = −κM/r is the Newtonian gravitation potential. In general relativity, the components of g µν are
associated with the potentials and the derivatives of g µν with the field strength.
The Kruskal-Szekeres coordinates are used to solve certain problems with the Schwarzschild metric near
r = 2m. They are defined by:
16 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

• r > 2m:  

 r 

 r t

 u = − 1 exp cosh
 2m 4m 4m
   r 


 r t

 v = − 1 exp sinh
2m 4m 4m
• r < 2m:  

 r 

 r t

 u = 1− exp sinh
 2m 4m 4m
   r 


 r t

 v = 1− exp cosh
2m 4m 4m
• r = 2m: here, the Kruskal coordinates are singular, which is necessary to eliminate the coordinate
singularity there.
The line element in these coordinates is given by:
32m3 −r/2m 2
ds2 = − e (dv − du2 ) + r2 dΩ2
r
The line r = 2m corresponds to u = v = 0, the limit x 0 → ∞ with u = v and x0 → −∞ with u = −v. The
Kruskal coordinates are only singular on the hyperbole v 2 − u2 = 1, this corresponds with r = 0. On the line
dv = ±du holds dθ = dϕ = ds = 0.
For the metric outside a rotating, charged spherical mass the Newman metric applies:



2mr − e2 r2 + a2 cos2 θ
2
ds = 1− 2 c dt −
2 2
dr2 − (r2 + a2 cos2 θ)dθ2 −
r + a2 cos2 θ r2 − 2mr + a2 − e2



(2mr − e2 )a2 sin2 θ 2 2a(2mr − e2 )
2
r +a + 2
sin θdϕ +2
sin2 θ(dϕ)(cdt)
r2 + a2 cos2 θ r2 + a2 cos2 θ
where m = κM/c2 , a = L/M c and e = κQ/ε0 c2 . √
A rotating charged black hole has an event horizon with R S = m + m2 − a2 − e2 .
Near rotating black holes frame dragging occurs
√ because g tϕ = 0. For the Kerr metric (e = 0, a = 0) then
follows that within the surface R E = m + m2 − a2 cos2 θ (de ergosphere) no particle can be at rest.

3.2.3 Planetary orbits and the perihelion shift

"
To" find a planetary
" orbit, the variational problem δ ds = 0 has to be solved. This is equivalent to the problem
δ ds2 = δ gij dxi dxj = 0. Substituting the external Schwarzschild metric yields for a planetary orbit:


du d2 u du  m
+ u = 3mu +
dϕ dϕ2 dϕ h2
where u := 1/r and h = r 2 ϕ̇ =constant. The term 3mu is not present

in the
classical solution. This term can
κM h2
in the classical case also be found from a potential V (r) = − 1+ 2 .
r r
The orbital equation gives r =constant as solution, or can, after dividing by du/dϕ, be solved with perturbation
theory. In zeroth order, this results in an elliptical orbit: u 0 (ϕ) = A + B cos(ϕ) with A = m/h2 and B an
arbitrary constant. In first order, this becomes:


B2 B2
u1 (ϕ) = A + B cos(ϕ − εϕ) + ε A + − cos(2ϕ)
2A 6A
where ε = 3m2 /h2 is small. The perihelion of a planet is the point for which r is minimal, or u maximal.
This is the case if cos(ϕ − εϕ) = 0 ⇒ ϕ ≈ 2πn(1 + ε). For the perihelion shift then follows: ∆ϕ = 2πε =
6πm2 /h2 per orbit.
Chapter 3: Relativity 17

3.2.4 The trajectory of a photon

For the trajectory of a photon (and for each particle with zero restmass) holds ds 2 = 0. Substituting the
external Schwarzschild metric results in the following orbital equation:


du d2 u
+ u − 3mu = 0
dϕ dϕ2

3.2.5 Gravitational waves

Starting with the approximation g µν = ηµν + hµν for weak gravitational fields and the definition h µν =
 
hµν − 12 ηµν hαα it follows that ✷hµν = 0 if the gauge condition ∂h µν /∂x = 0 is satisfied. From this, it
ν

follows that the loss of energy of a mechanical system, if the occurring velocities are  c and for wavelengths
 the size of the system, is given by:

2
dE G  d3 Qij
=− 5
dt 5c i,j dt3
"
with Qij = 3(xi xj − 13 δij r2 )d3 x the mass quadrupole moment.

3.2.6 Cosmology
If for the universe as a whole is assumed:
1. There exists a global time coordinate which acts as x 0 of a Gaussian coordinate system,
2. The 3-dimensional spaces are isotrope for a certain value of x 0 ,
3. Each point is equivalent to each other point for a fixed x 0 .
then the Robertson-Walker metric can be derived for the line element:
R2 (t)
ds2 = −c2 dt2 +
 2 2 2
2 (dr + r dΩ )
kr
r02 1 − 2
4r0

For the scalefactor R(t) the following equations can be derived:

2R̈ Ṙ2 + kc2 8πκp Ṙ2 + kc2 8πκ3 Λ

+ 2
= − 2
+ Λ and 2
= +
R R c R 3 3
where p is the pressure and 3 the density of the universe. If Λ = 0 can be derived for the deceleration
parameter q:
R̈R 4πκ3
q=− =
Ṙ 2 3H 2
where H = Ṙ/R is Hubble’s constant. This is a measure of the velocity with which galaxies far away are
moving away from each other, and has the value ≈ (75 ± 25) km·s −1 ·Mpc−1 . This gives 3 possible conditions
for the universe (here, W is the total amount of energy in the universe):
1. Parabolical universe: k = 0, W = 0, q = 12 . The expansion velocity of the universe → 0 if t → ∞.
The hereto related critical density is 3 c = 3H 2 /8πκ.
2. Hyperbolical universe: k = −1, W < 0, q < 1
2. The expansion velocity of the universe remains
positive forever.
3. Elliptical universe: k = 1, W > 0, q > 12 . The expansion velocity of the universe becomes negative
after some time: the universe starts collapsing.
Chapter 4

Oscillations

4.1 Harmonic oscillations

The general form of a harmonic oscillation is: Ψ(t) = Ψ̂ei(ωt±ϕ) ≡ Ψ̂ cos(ωt ± ϕ),
where Ψ̂ is the amplitude. A superposition of several harmonic oscillations with the same frequency results in
another harmonic oscillation: 
Ψ̂i cos(αi ± ωt) = Φ̂ cos(β ± ωt)
i
with: 
Ψ̂i sin(αi )  
i
tan(β) =  and Φ̂2 = Ψ̂2i + 2 Ψ̂i Ψ̂j cos(αi − αj )
Ψ̂i cos(αi ) i j>i i
i

x(t) dn x(t)
For harmonic oscillations holds: x(t)dt = and = (iω)n x(t).
iω dtn

4.2 Mechanic oscillations

For a construction with a spring with constant C parallel to a damping k which is connected to a mass M , to
which a periodic force F (t) = F̂ cos(ωt) is applied holds the equation of motion mẍ = F (t) − k ẋ − Cx.
With complex amplitudes, this becomes −mω 2 x = F − Cx − ikωx. With ω02 = C/m follows:
F F
x= , and for the velocity holds: ẋ = √
m(ω02 − ω ) + ikω
2
i Cmδ + k
ω ω0
where δ = − . The quantity Z = F/ẋ is called the impedance of the system. The quality of the system
ω0 √ω
Cm
is given by Q = .
k
√ with minimal |Z| is called velocity resonance frequency. This is equal to ω 0 . In the resonance
The frequency
curve |Z|/
√ Cm is plotted against ω/ω0 . The width of this curve is characterized by the points where |Z(ω)| =
|Z(ω0 )| 2. In these points holds: R = X and δ = ±Q −1 , and the width is 2∆ω B = ω0 /Q.
The stiffness of an oscillating system is given by F/x.The amplitude resonance frequency ω A is the frequency
where iωZ is minimal. This is the case for ω A = ω0 1 − 12 Q2 .
The dampingfrequency ω D is a measure for the time in which an oscillating system comes to rest. It is given
1
by ωD = ω0 1 − . A weak damped oscillation (k 2 < 4mC) dies out after T D = 2π/ωD . For a critical
4Q2
damped oscillation (k 2 = 4mC) holds ωD = 0. A strong damped oscillation (k 2 > 4mC) drops like (if
k 2  4mC) x(t) ≈ x0 exp(−t/τ ).

4.3 Electric oscillations

The impedance is given by: Z = R + iX. The phase angle is ϕ := arctan(X/R). The impedance of a
resistor is R, of a capacitor 1/iωC and of a self inductor iωL. The quality of a coil is Q = ωL/R. The total
impedance in case several elements are positioned is given by:
Chapter 4: Oscillations 19

1. Series connection: V = IZ,

  1  1 Z0
Ztot = Zi , Ltot = Li , = , Q= , Z = R(1 + iQδ)
i i
Ctot i
Ci R

2. parallel connection: V = IZ,

1  1 1  1  R R
= , = , Ctot = Ci , Q = , Z=
Ztot i
Zi Ltot i
Li i
Z0 1 + iQδ

L 1
Here, Z0 = and ω0 = √ .
C LC
The power given by a source is given by P (t) = V (t) · I(t), so P  t = V̂eff Iˆeff cos(∆φ)
= 12 V̂ Iˆ cos(φv − φi ) = 12 Iˆ2 Re(Z) = 12 V̂ 2 Re(1/Z), where cos(∆φ) is the work factor.

4.4 Waves in long conductors


dL dx
These cables are in use for signal transfer, e.g. coax cable. For them holds: Z 0 = .
 dx dC
dx dx
The transmission velocity is given by v = .
dL dC

4.5 Coupled conductors and transformers

For two coils enclosing each others flux holds: if Φ 12 is the part of the flux originating from I 2 through coil 2
which is enclosed by coil 1, than holds Φ 12 = M12 I2 , Φ21 = M21 I1 . For the coefficients of mutual induction
Mij holds:
 N 1 Φ1 N 2 Φ2
M12 = M21 := M = k L1 L2 = = ∼ N1 N2
I2 I1
where 0 ≤ k ≤ 1 is the coupling factor. For a transformer is k ≈ 1. At full load holds:

V1 I2 iωM L1 N1
= =− ≈− =−
V2 I1 iωL2 + Rload L2 N2

4.6 Pendulums
The oscillation time T = 1/f , and for different types of pendulums is given by:

• Oscillating spring: T = 2π m/C if the spring force is given by F = C · ∆l.

• Physical pendulum: T = 2π I/τ with τ the moment of force and I the moment of inertia.
 2lm
• Torsion pendulum: T = 2π I/κ with κ = the constant of torsion and I the moment of inertia.
πr4 ∆ϕ

• Mathematical pendulum: T = 2π l/g with g the acceleration of gravity and l the length of the pendu-
lum.
Chapter 5

Waves

5.1 The wave equation

The general form of the wave equation is: ✷u = 0, or:

1 ∂2u ∂2u ∂2u ∂2u 1 ∂2u

∇2 u − 2 2
= 2
+ 2 + 2 − 2 2 =0
v ∂t ∂x ∂y ∂z v ∂t

where u is the disturbance and v the propagation velocity. In general holds: v = f λ. By definition holds:
kλ = 2π and ω = 2πf .
In principle, there are two types of waves:

1. Longitudinal waves: for these holds k  v  u.

2. Transversal waves: for these holds k  v ⊥ u.

The phase velocity is given by v ph = ω/k. The group velocity is given by:


dω dvph k dn
vg = = vph + k = vph 1 −
dk dk n dk

where n is the refractive index of the medium. If v ph does not depend on ω holds: v ph = vg . In a dispersive
medium it is possible that vg > vph or vg < vph , and vg · vf = c2 . If one wants to transfer information with
a wave, e.g. by modulation of an EM wave, the information travels with the velocity at with a change in the
electromagnetic field propagates. This velocity is often almost equal to the group velocity.
For some media, the propagation velocity follows from:

• Pressure waves in a liquid or gas: v = κ/3, where κ is the modulus of compression.
 
• For pressure waves in a gas also holds: v = γp/3 = γRT /M.

• Pressure waves in a thin solid bar with diameter << λ: v = E/3

• waves in a string: v = Fspan l/m
!


gλ 2πγ 2πh
• Surface waves on a liquid: v = + tanh
2π 3λ λ
√
where h is the depth of the liquid and γ the surface tension. If h  λ holds: v ≈ gh.

5.2 Solutions of the wave equation

5.2.1 Plane waves
In n dimensions a harmonic plane wave is defined by:


n
u(x, t) = 2n û cos(ωt) sin(ki xi )
i=1
Chapter 5: Waves 21

The equation for a harmonic traveling plane wave is: u(x, t) = û cos( k · x ± ωt + ϕ)
If waves reflect at the end of a spring this will result in a change in phase. A fixed end gives a phase change of
π/2 to the reflected wave, with boundary condition u(l) = 0. A lose end gives no change in the phase of the
reflected wave, with boundary condition (∂u/∂x) l = 0.
If an observer is moving w.r.t. the wave with a velocity v obs , he will observe a change in frequency: the
f vf − vobs
Doppler effect. This is given by: = .
f0 vf

5.2.2 Spherical waves

When the situation is spherical symmetric, the homogeneous wave equation is given by:
1 ∂ 2 (ru) ∂ 2 (ru)
− =0
v 2 ∂t2 ∂r2
with general solution:
f (r − vt) g(r + vt)
u(r, t) = C1 + C2
r r

5.2.3 Cylindrical waves

When the situation has a cylindrical symmetry, the homogeneous wave equation becomes:


1 ∂2u 1 ∂ ∂u
− r =0
v 2 ∂t2 r ∂r ∂r
This is a Bessel equation, with solutions which can be written as Hankel functions. For sufficient large values
of r these are approximated by:
û
u(r, t) = √ cos(k(r ± vt))
r

5.2.4 The general solution in one dimension

Starting point is the equation:
N

∂ 2 u(x, t) ∂m
= b m u(x, t)
∂t2 m=0
∂xm
where bm ∈ IR. Substituting u(x, t) = Aei(kx−ωt) gives two solutions ω j = ωj (k) as dispersion relations.
The general solution is given by:
∞  
u(x, t) = a(k)ei(kx−ω1 (k)t) + b(k)ei(kx−ω2 (k)t) dk
−∞

Because in general the frequencies ω j are non-linear in k there is dispersion and the solution cannot be written
any more as a sum of functions depending only on x ± vt: the wave front transforms.

5.3 The stationary phase method

Usually the Fourier integrals of the previous section cannot be calculated exactly. If ω j (k) ∈ IR the stationary
phase method can be applied. Assuming that a(k) is only a slowly varying function of k, one can state that the
parts of the k-axis where the phase of kx − ω(k)t changes rapidly will give no net contribution to the integral
because the exponent oscillates rapidly there. The only areas contributing significantly to the integral are areas
d
with a stationary phase, determined by (kx − ω(k)t) = 0. Now the following approximation is possible:
dk
∞ 
N 
  2π & '
a(k)ei(kx−ω(k)t) dk ≈ d2 ω(k )
exp −i 41 π + i(ki x − ω(ki )t)
i
−∞ i=1 dki2
22 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

5.4 Green functions for the initial-value problem

This method is preferable if the solutions deviate much from the stationary solutions, like point-like excitations.
Starting with the wave equation in one dimension, with ∇ 2 = ∂ 2 /∂x2 holds: if Q(x, x , t) is the solution with
∂Q(x, x , 0)
initial values Q(x, x , 0) = δ(x − x ) and = 0, and P (x, x , t) the solution with initial values
∂t
∂P (x, x , 0)
P (x, x , 0) = 0 and = δ(x − x ), then the solution of the wave equation with arbitrary initial
∂t
∂u(x, 0)
conditions f (x) = u(x, 0) and g(x) = is given by:
∂t
∞ ∞
  
u(x, t) = f (x )Q(x, x , t)dx + g(x )P (x, x , t)dx
−∞ −∞

P and Q are called the propagators. They are defined by:

Q(x, x , t) = 1
2 [δ(x − x − vt) + δ(x − x + vt)]
( 1
 if |x − x | < vt
P (x, x , t) = 2v
0 if |x − x | > vt

∂P (x, x , t)
Further holds the relation: Q(x, x  , t) =
∂t

5.5 Waveguides and resonating cavities

The boundary conditions for a perfect conductor can be derived from the Maxwell equations. If n is a unit
 is a surface current density, than holds:
vector ⊥ the surface, pointed from 1 to 2, and K
2 −D
n · (D  1) = σ 2 − E
n × (E  1) = 0
 
n · (B2 − B1 ) = 0   1) = K
n × (H2 − H 

In a waveguide holds because of the cylindrical symmetry: E(  x, t) = E(x,  x, t) =

 y)ei(kz−ωt) and B(

B(x, y)e i(kz−ωt)
. From this one can now deduce that, if B z and Ez are not ≡ 0:



i ∂Bz ∂Ez i ∂Bz ∂Ez
Bx = k − εµω B y = k + εµω
εµω 2 − k 2
∂x ∂y  εµω 2 − k 2
∂y ∂x 
i ∂Ez ∂Bz i ∂Ez ∂Bz
Ex = k + εµω Ey = k − εµω
εµω 2 − k 2 ∂x ∂y εµω 2 − k 2 ∂y ∂x
Now one can distinguish between three cases:
1. Bz ≡ 0: the Transversal Magnetic modes (TM). Boundary condition: E z |surf = 0.

∂Bz 
2. Ez ≡ 0: the Transversal Electric modes (TE). Boundary condition: = 0.
∂n surf
For the TE and TM modes this gives an eigenvalue problem for E z resp. Bz with boundary conditions:

2 
∂ ∂2
+ 2 ψ = −γ 2 ψ with eigenvalues γ 2 := εµω 2 − k 2
∂x2 ∂y

This gives a discrete solution ψ ! with eigenvalue γ !2 : k = εµω 2 − γ!2 . For ω < ω! , k is imaginary
and the wave is damped. Therefore, ω ! is called the cut-off frequency. In rectangular conductors the
following expression can be found for the cut-off frequency for modes TE m,n of TMm,n :
2
λ! = 
(m/a)2 + (n/b)2
Chapter 5: Waves 23

3. Ez and Bz are zero everywhere: the Transversal electromagnetic mode (TEM). Than holds: k =
√
±ω εµ and vf = vg , just as if here were no waveguide. Further k ∈ IR, so there exists no cut-off
frequency.

In a rectangular, 3 dimensional resonating cavity with edges a, b and c the possible wave numbers are given
n1 π n2 π n3 π
by: kx = , ky = , kz = This results in the possible frequencies f = vk/2π in the cavity:
a b c

v n2x n2y n2z
f= + +
2 a2 b2 c2
For a cubic cavity, with a = b = c, the possible number of oscillating modes N L for longitudinal waves is
given by:
4πa3 f 3
NL =
3v 3
Because transversal waves have two possible polarizations holds for them: N T = 2NL .

5.6 Non-linear wave equations

The Van der Pol equation is given by:

d2 x dx
− εω0 (1 − βx2 ) + ω02 x = 0
dt2 dt
βx2 can be ignored for very small values of the amplitude. Substitution of x ∼ e iωt gives: ω = 12 ω0 (iε ±

2 1 − 12 ε2 ). The lowest-order instabilities grow as 12 εω0 . While x is growing, the 2nd term becomes larger
and diminishes the growth. Oscillations on a time scale ∼ ω 0−1 can exist. If x is expanded as x = x (0) +
εx(1) + ε2 x(2) + · · · and this is substituted one obtains, besides periodic, secular terms ∼ εt. If it is assumed
that there exist timescales τn , 0 ≤ τ ≤ N with ∂τn /∂t = εn and if the secular terms are put 0 one obtains:
(
 )
2
2
d 1 dx dx
1 2 2
+ 2 ω0 x = εω0 (1 − βx )
2
dt 2 dt dt

This is an energy equation. Energy is conserved if the left-hand side is 0. If x 2 > 1/β, the right-hand side
changes sign and an increase in energy changes into a decrease of energy. This mechanism limits the growth
of oscillations.
The Korteweg-De Vries equation is given by:

∂u ∂u ∂u ∂3u
+ − au + b2 3 = 0
∂t ∂x * +,∂x- ∂x -
* +,
non−lin dispersive

This equation is for example a model for ion-acoustic waves in a plasma. For this equation, soliton solutions
of the following form exist:
−d
u(x − ct) =
cosh2 (e(x − ct))
with c = 1 + 13 ad and e2 = ad/(12b2 ).
Chapter 6

Optics

6.1 The bending of light

For the refraction at a surface holds: n i sin(θi ) = nt sin(θt ) where n is the refractive index of the material.
Snell’s law is:
n2 λ1 v1
= =
n1 λ2 v2
If ∆n ≤ 1, the change in phase of the light is ∆ϕ = 0, if ∆n > 1 holds: ∆ϕ = π. The refraction of light in a
material is caused by scattering from atoms. This is described by:

ne e 2  fj
n2 = 1 + 2 − ω 2 − iδω
ε0 m j ω0,j

where ne is the electron density and f j the oscillator strength, for which holds: fj = 1. From this follows
j
that vg = c/(1 + (ne e2 /2ε0 mω 2 )). From this the equation of Cauchy can be derived: n = a 0 + a1 /λ2 . More
n
ak
general, it is possible to expand n as: n = .
λ2k
k=0
√
For an electromagnetic wave in general holds: n = εr µr .
The path, followed by a light ray in material can be found from Fermat’s principle:

2 2 2
n(s)
δ dt = δ ds = 0 ⇒ δ n(s)ds = 0
c
1 1 1

6.2 Paraxial geometrical optics

6.2.1 Lenses
The Gaussian lens formula can be deduced from Fermat’s principle with the approximations cos ϕ = 1 and
sin ϕ = ϕ. For the refraction at a spherical surface with radius R holds:

n1 n2 n1 − n2
− =
v b R
where |v| is the distance of the object and |b| the distance of the image. Applying this twice results in:


1 1 1
= (nl − 1) −
f R2 R1

where nl is the refractive index of the lens, f is the focal length and R 1 and R2 are the curvature radii of both
surfaces. For a double concave lens holds R 1 < 0, R2 > 0, for a double convex lens holds R 1 > 0 and
R2 < 0. Further holds:
1 1 1
= −
f v b
Chapter 6: Optics 25

D := 1/f is called the dioptric power of a lens. For a lens with thickness d and diameter D holds to a good
approximation: 1/f = 8(n − 1)d/D 2 . For two lenses placed on a line with distance d holds:

1 1 1 d
= + −
f f1 f2 f1 f2

In these equations the following signs are being used for refraction at a spherical surface, as is seen by an
incoming light ray:

Quantity + −
R Concave surface Convex surface
f Converging lens Diverging lens
v Real object Virtual object
b Virtual image Real image

6.2.2 Mirrors
For images of mirrors holds:

2
1 1 1 2 h2 1 1
= + = + −
f v b R 2 R v
where h is the perpendicular distance from the point the light ray hits the mirror to the optical axis. Spherical
aberration can be reduced by not using spherical mirrors. A parabolical mirror has no spherical aberration for
light rays parallel with the optical axis and is therefore often used for telescopes. The used signs are:

Quantity + −
R Concave mirror Convex mirror
f Concave mirror Convex mirror
v Real object Virtual object
b Real image Virtual image

6.2.3 Principal planes

The nodal points N of a lens are defined by the figure on the right. If the lens is
surrounded by the same medium on both sides, the nodal points are the same as
the principal points H. The plane ⊥ the optical axis through the principal points N1
r r r
is called the principal plane. If the lens is described by a matrix m ij than for the
distances h1 and h2 to the boundary of the lens holds: O N2

m11 − 1 m22 − 1
h1 = n , h2 = n
m12 m12

6.2.4 Magnification
b
The linear magnification is defined by: N = −
v
αsyst
The angular magnification is defined by: N α = −
αnone
where αsys is the size of the retinal image with the optical system and α none the size of the retinal image
without the system. Further holds: N · N α = 1. For a telescope holds: N = f objective /focular. The f-number
is defined by f /Dobjective.
26 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

6.3 Matrix methods

A light ray can be described by a vector (nα, y) with α the angle with the optical axis and y the distance to
the optical axis. The change of a light ray interacting with an optical system can be obtained using a matrix
multiplication:


n2 α2 n1 α1
=M
y2 y1
where Tr(M ) = 1. M is a product of elementary matrices. These are:


1 0
1. Transfer along length l: M R =
l/n 1


1 −D
2. Refraction at a surface with dioptric power D: M T =
0 1

6.4 Aberrations
Lenses usually do not give a perfect image. Some causes are:
1. Chromatic aberration is caused by the fact that n = n(λ). This can be partially corrected with a lens
which is composed of more lenses with different functions n i (λ). Using N lenses makes it possible to
obtain the same f for N wavelengths.
2. Spherical aberration is caused by second-order effects which are usually ignored; a spherical surface
does not make a perfect lens. Incomming rays far from the optical axis will more bent.
3. Coma is caused by the fact that the principal planes of a lens are only flat near the principal axis. Further
away of the optical axis they are curved. This curvature can be both positive or negative.
4. Astigmatism: from each point of an object not on the optical axis the image is an ellipse because the
thickness of the lens is not the same everywhere.
5. Field curvature can be corrected by the human eye.
6. Distorsion gives abberations near the edges of the image. This can be corrected with a combination of
positive and negative lenses.

6.5 Reflection and transmission

If an electromagnetic wave hits a transparent medium part of the wave will reflect at the same angle as the
incident angle, and a part will be refracted at an angle according to Snell’s law. It makes a difference whether
 field of the wave is ⊥ or  w.r.t. the surface. When the coefficients of reflection r and transmission t are
the E
defined as:




E0r E0r E0t E0t
r
≡ , r⊥ ≡ , t
≡ , t⊥ ≡
E0i
E0i ⊥ E0i
E0i ⊥
where E0r is the reflected amplitude and E 0t the transmitted amplitude. Then the Fresnel equations are:

tan(θi − θt ) sin(θt − θi )
r
= , r⊥ =
tan(θi + θt ) sin(θt + θi )

2 sin(θt ) cos(θi ) 2 sin(θt ) cos(θi )

t
= , t⊥ =
sin(θt + θi ) cos(θt − θi ) sin(θt + θi )
The following holds: t ⊥ − r⊥ = 1 and t
+ r
= 1. If the coefficient of reflection R and transmission T are
defined as (with θi = θr ):
Ir It cos(θt )
R≡ and T ≡
Ii Ii cos(θi )
Chapter 6: Optics 27

 it follows: R + T = 1. A special case is r

= 0. This happens if the angle between the reflected
with I = |S|
and transmitted rays is 90 ◦ . From Snell’s law it then follows: tan(θ i ) = n. This angle is called Brewster’s
angle. The situation with r ⊥ = 0 is not possible.

6.6 Polarization
Ip Imax − Imin
The polarization is defined as: P = =
Ip + Iu Imax + Imin
where the intensity of the polarized light is given by I p and the intensity of the unpolarized light is given by
Iu . Imax and Imin are the maximum and minimum intensities when the light passes a polarizer. If polarized
light passes through a polarizer Malus law applies: I(θ) = I(0) cos 2 (θ) where θ is the angle of the polarizer.
The state of a light ray can be described by the Stokes-parameters: start with 4 filters which each transmits half
the intensity. The first is independent of the polarization, the second and third are linear polarizers with the
transmission axes horizontal and at +45 ◦ , while the fourth is a circular polarizer which is opaque for L-states.
Then holds S 1 = 2I1 , S2 = 2I2 − 2I1 , S3 = 2I3 − 2I1 and S4 = 2I4 − 2I1 .
The state of a polarized light ray can also be described by the Jones vector:


 E0x eiϕx
E=
E0y eiϕy

For the √  = (1, 0), for the vertical P -state E

horizontal P -state holds: E  = (0, 1), the R-state is given by
√

E = 2 2(1, −i) and the L-state by E = 2 2(1, i). The change in state of a light beam after passage of
1  1

optical equipment can be described as E2 = M · E  1 . For some types of optical equipment the Jones matrix M
is given by:


1 0
Horizontal linear polarizer:
0 0


0 0
Vertical linear polarizer:
0 1


◦ 1 1 1
Linear polarizer at +45 2 1 1


◦ 1 −1
Lineair polarizer at −45 1
2 −1 1


1 iπ/4 1 0
-λ plate, fast axis vertical e
4 0 −i


1 iπ/4 1 0
4 -λ plate, fast axis horizontal e
0 i


1 1 i
Homogene circular polarizor right 2 −i 1


1 1 −i
Homogene circular polarizer left 2 i 1

6.7 Prisms and dispersion

A light ray passing through a prism is refracted twice and aquires a deviation from its original direction
δ = θi + θi + α w.r.t. the incident direction, where α is the apex angle, θ i is the angle between the incident
angle and a line perpendicular to the surface and θ i is the angle between the ray leaving the prism and a line
perpendicular to the surface. When θ i varies there is an angle for which δ becomes minimal. For the refractive
index of the prism now holds:
sin( 12 (δmin + α))
n=
sin( 12 α)
28 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

The dispersion of a prism is defined by:

dδ dδ dn
D= =
dλ dn dλ
where the first factor depends on the shape and the second on the composition of the prism. For the first factor
follows:
dδ 2 sin( 12 α)
=
dn cos( 12 (δmin + α))
For visible light usually holds dn/dλ < 0: shorter wavelengths are stronger bent than longer. The refractive
index in this area can usually be approximated by Cauchy’s formula.

6.8 Diffraction
Fraunhofer diffraction occurs far away from the source(s). The Fraunhofer diffraction of light passing through
multiple slits is described by:

2
2
I(θ) sin(u) sin(N v)
= ·
I0 u sin(v)
where u = πb sin(θ)/λ, v = πd sin(θ)/λ. N is the number of slits, b the width of a slit and d the distance
between the slits. The maxima in intensity are given by d sin(θ) = kλ.
The diffraction through a spherical aperture with radius a is described by:

2
I(θ) J1 (ka sin(θ))
=
I0 ka sin(θ)

The diffraction pattern of a rectangular aperture at distance R with length a in the x-direction and b in the
y-direction is described by:

2
2
I(x, y) sin(α ) sin(β  )
=
I0 α β
where α = kax/2R and β  = kby/2R.
When X rays are diffracted at a crystal holds for the position of the maxima in intensity Bragg’s relation:
2d sin(θ) = nλ where d is the distance between the crystal layers.
Close at the source the Fraunhofermodel is invalid because it ignores the angle-dependence of the reflected
waves. This is described by the obliquity or inclination factor, which describes the directionality of the sec-
ondary emissions: E(θ) = 12 E0 (1 + cos(θ)) where θ is the angle w.r.t. the optical axis.
Diffraction limits the resolution of a system. This is the minimum angle ∆θ min between two incident rays
coming from points far away for which their refraction patterns can be detected separately. For a circular slit
holds: ∆θmin = 1.22λ/D where D is the diameter of the slit.
For a grating holds: ∆θ min = 2λ/(N a cos(θm )) where a is the distance between two peaks and N the
number of peaks. The minimum difference between two wavelengths that gives a separated diffraction pattern
in a multiple slit geometry is given by ∆λ/λ = nN where N is the number of lines and n the order of the
pattern.

6.9 Special optical effects

• Birefringe and dichroism. D  is not parallel with E if the polarizability P of a material is not equal in
all directions. There are at least 3 directions, the principal axes, in which they are parallel. This results
in 3 refractive indices n i which can be used to construct Fresnel’s ellipsoid. In case n 2 = n3 = n1 ,
which happens e.g. at trigonal, hexagonal and tetragonal crystals there is one optical axis in the direction
of n1 . Incident light rays can now be split up in two parts: the ordinary wave is linear polarized ⊥ the
plane through the transmission direction and the optical axis. The extraordinary wave is linear polarized
Chapter 6: Optics 29

in the plane through the transmission direction and the optical axis. Dichroism is caused by a different
absorption of the ordinary and extraordinary wave in some materials. Double images occur when the
incident ray makes an angle with the optical axis: the extraordinary wave will refract, the ordinary will
not.
• Retarders: waveplates and compensators. Incident light will have a phase shift of ∆ϕ = 2πd(|n 0 −
ne |)/λ0 if an uniaxial crystal is cut in such a way that the optical axis is parallel with the front and back
plane. Here, λ0 is the wavelength in vacuum and n 0 and ne the refractive indices for the ordinary and
extraordinary wave. For a quarter-wave plate holds: ∆ϕ = π/2.
• The Kerr-effect: isotropic, transparent materials can become birefringent when placed in an electric
 The difference in refractive index in the two directions
field. In that case, the optical axis is parallel to E.
2
is given by: ∆n = λ0 KE , where K is the Kerr constant of the material. If the electrodes have an
effective length 5 and are separated by a distance d, the retardation is given by: ∆ϕ = 2πK5V 2 /d2 ,
where V is the applied voltage.
• The Pockels or linear electro-optical effect can occur in 20 (from a total of 32) crystal symmetry classes,
namely those without a centre of symmetry. These crystals are also piezoelectric: their polarization
changes when a pressure is applied and vice versa: P = pd + ε0 χE.  The retardation in a Pockels cell is
3
∆ϕ = 2πn0 r63 V /λ0 where r63 is the 6-3 element of the electro-optic tensor.

• The Faraday effect: the polarization of light passing through material with length d and to which a
magnetic field is applied in the propagation direction is rotated by an angle β = VBd where V is the
Verdet constant.
• C̆erenkov radiation arises when a charged particle with v q > vf arrives. The radiation is emitted within
a cone with an apex angle α with sin(α) = c/c medium = c/nvq .

6.10 The Fabry-Perot interferometer

For a Fabry-Perot interferometer holds in
general: T + R + A = 1 where T is the
transmission factor, R the reflection factor
and A the absorption factor. If F is given
by F = 4R/(1 − R)2 it follows for the
intensity distribution:
 2
It A 1 PP
= 1− PP
Ii 1 − R 1 + F sin2 (θ) q
✛✲
The term [1 + F sin2 (θ)]−1 := A(θ) is Source Lens d
Screen
called the Airy function. Focussing lens
√ √
The width of the peaks at half height is given by γ = 4/ F . The finesse F is defined as F = 12 π F . The
maximum resolution is then given by ∆f min = c/2ndF .
Chapter 7

Statistical physics

7.1 Degrees of freedom

A molecule consisting of n atoms has s = 3n degrees of freedom. There are 3 translational degrees of freedom,
a linear molecule has s = 3n − 5 vibrational degrees of freedom and a non-linear molecule s = 3n − 6. A
linear molecule has 2 rotational degrees of freedom and a non-linear molecule 3.
Because vibrational degrees of freedom account for both kinetic and potential energy they count double. So,
for linear molecules this results in a total of s = 6n − 5. For non-linear molecules this gives s = 6n − 6. The
average energy of a molecule in thermodynamic equilibrium is E tot  = 12 skT . Each degree of freedom of a
molecule has in principle the same energy: the principle of equipartition.
The rotational and vibrational energy of a molecule are:

h̄2
Wrot = l(l + 1) = Bl(l + 1) , Wvib = (v + 12 )h̄ω0
2I
The vibrational levels are excited if kT ≈ h̄ω, the rotational levels of a hetronuclear molecule are excited if
kT ≈ 2B. For homonuclear molecules additional selection rules apply so the rotational levels are well coupled
if kT ≈ 6B.

7.2 The energy distribution function

The general form of the equilibrium velocity distribution function is
P (vx , vy , vz )dvx dvy dvz = P (vx )dvx · P (vy )dvy · P (vz )dvz with

2
1 v
P (vi )dvi = √ exp − i2 dvi
α π α

where
√ α = / /m is the most probable velocity of a particle. The average velocity is given by v =
. 2kT
2α/ π, and v 2 = 32 α2 . The distribution as a function of the absolute value of the velocity is given by:


dN 4N mv 2
= 3 √ v 2 exp −
dv α π 2kT

The general form of the energy distribution function then becomes:

 12 s−1

c(s) E E
P (E)dE = exp − dE
kT kT kT

where c(s) is a normalization constant, given by:

1
1. Even s: s = 2l: c(s) =
(l − 1)!

2l
2. Odd s: s = 2l + 1: c(s) = √
π(2l − 1)!!
Chapter 7: Statistical physics 31

7.3 Pressure on a wall

The number of molecules that collides with a wall with surface A within a time τ is given by:

 ∞ π 2π
3
d N= nAvτ cos(θ)P (v, θ, ϕ)dvdθdϕ
0 0 0

4 n v.
1
From this follows for the particle flux on the wall: Φ = For the pressure on the wall then follows:

2mv cos(θ)d3 N 2
d3 p = , so p = n E
Aτ 3

7.4 The equation of state

3 n E
2
If intermolecular forces and the volume of the molecules can be neglected then for gases from p =
and E = 32 kT can be derived:
1 . /
pV = ns RT = N m v 2
3
Here, ns is the number of moles particles and N is the total number of particles within volume V . If the own
volume and the intermolecular forces cannot be neglected the Van der Waals equation can be derived:


an2
p + 2s (V − bns ) = ns RT
V

There is an isotherme with a horizontal point of inflection. In the Van der Waals equation this corresponds
with the critical temperature, pressure and volume of the gas. This is the upper limit of the area of coexistence
between liquid and vapor. From dp/dV = 0 and d 2 p/dV 2 = 0 follows:

8a a
Tcr = , pcr = , Vcr = 3bns
27bR 27b2
3
For the critical point holds: p cr Vm,cr /RTcr = 8, which differs from the value of 1 which follows from the
general gas law.

Scaled on the critical quantities, with p ∗ := p/pcr , T ∗ = T /Tcr and Vm∗ = Vm /Vm,cr with Vm := V /ns holds:


3 # ∗ 1$ 8 ∗
p∗ + Vm − 3 = 3 T
(Vm∗ )2

Gases behave the same for equal values of the reduced quantities: the law of the corresponding states. A virial
expansion is used for even more accurate views:


1 B(T ) C(T )
p(T, Vm ) = RT + + + ···
Vm Vm2 Vm3

The Boyle temperature T B is the temperature for which the 2nd virial coefficient is 0. In a Van der Waals gas,
this happens at T B = a/Rb. The inversion temperature T i = 2TB .

The equation of state for solids and liquids is given by:



V 1 ∂V 1 ∂V
= 1 + γp ∆T − κT ∆p = 1 + ∆T + ∆p
V0 V ∂T p V ∂p T
32 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

7.5 Collisions between molecules

The collision probability of a particle in a gas that is translated over a distance dx is given by nσdx, where σ is
v1 
the cross section. The mean free path is given by 5 = with u = v12 + v22 the relative velocity between
 nuσ
u m1 1 1
the particles. If m1  m2 holds: = 1+ , so 5 = . If m1 = m2 holds: 5 = √ . This means
v1 m2 nσ nσ 2
1
that the average time between two collisions is given by τ = . If the molecules are approximated by hard
nσv
spheres the cross section is: σ = 4 π(D1 + D2 ). The average distance between two molecules is 0.55n −1/3.
1 2 2

Collisions between molecules and small particles in. a solution

/ . result
/ in the Brownian motion. For the average
motion of a particle with radius R can be derived: x2i = 13 r2 = kT t/3πηR.
A gas is called a Knudsen gas if 5  the dimensions of the gas, something that can easily occur at low
pressures.
 The equilibrium
√ condition
√ for a vessel which has a hole with surface A√in it for which
√ holds that
5  A/π is: n1 T1 = n2 T2 . Together with the general gas law follows: p 1 / T1 = p2 / T2 .
Awx
If two plates move along each other at a distance d with velocity w x the viscosity η is given by: Fx = η .
d
The velocity profile between the plates is in that case given by w(z) = zw x /d. It can be derived that η =
3 35 v where v is the thermal velocity.
1


dQ T2 − T1
The heat conductance in a non-moving gas is described by: = κA , which results in a temper-
dt d
ature profile T (z) = T 1 + z(T2 − T1 )/d. It can be derived that κ = 13 CmV n5 v /NA . Also holds: κ = CV η.
A better expression for κ can be obtained with the Eucken correction: κ = (1 + 9R/4c mV )CV · η with an
error <5%.

7.6 Interaction between molecules

For dipole interaction between molecules can be derived that U ∼ −1/r 6 . If the distance between two
molecules approaches the molecular diameter D a repulsing force between the electron clouds appears. This
force can be described by U rep ∼ exp(−γr) or Vrep = +Cs /rs with 12 ≤ s ≤ 20. This results in the
Lennard-Jones potential for intermolecular forces:


6
12
D D
ULJ = 4M −
r r

with a minimum M at r = rm . The following holds: D ≈ 0.89r m . For the Van der Waals coefficients a and b
and the critical quantities holds: a = 5.275N A2 D3 M, b = 1.3NA D3 , kTkr = 1.2M and Vm,kr = 3.9NA D3 .
A more simple model for intermolecular forces assumes a potential U (r) = ∞ for r < D, U (r) = U LJ for
D ≤ r ≤ 3D and U (r) = 0 for r ≥ 3D. This gives for the potential energy of one molecule: E pot =
 3D
U (r)F (r)dr.
D

with F (r) the spatial distribution function in spherical coordinates, which for a homogeneous distribution is
given by: F (r)dr = 4nπr 2 dr.
Some useful mathematical relations are:
∞ ∞ √ ∞
n −x 2n −x2 (2n)! π 2
x e dx = n! , x e dx = , x2n+1 e−x dx = 12 n!
n!22n+1
0 0 0
Chapter 8

Thermodynamics

8.1 Mathematical introduction

If there exists a relation f (x, y, z) = 0 between 3 variables, one can write: x = x(y, z), y = y(x, z) and
z = z(x, y). The total differential dz of z is than given by:



∂z ∂z
dz = dx + dy
∂x y ∂y x

By writing this also for dx and dy it can be obtained that




∂x ∂y ∂z
· · = −1
∂y z ∂z x ∂x y
0
Because dz is a total differential holds dz = 0.
A homogeneous function of degree m obeys: ε m F (x, y, z) = F (εx, εy, εz). For such a function Euler’s
theorem applies:
∂F ∂F ∂F
mF (x, y, z) = x +y +z
∂x ∂y ∂z

8.2 Definitions


1 ∂p
• The isochoric pressure coefficient: β V =
p ∂T V


1 ∂V
• The isothermal compressibility: κ T = −
V ∂p T


1 ∂V
• The isobaric volume coefficient: γ p =
V ∂T p


1 ∂V
• The adiabatic compressibility: κ S = −
V ∂p S

For an ideal gas follows: γ p = 1/T , κT = 1/p and βV = −1/V .

8.3 Thermal heat capacity



∂S
• The specific heat at constant X is: C X = T
∂T X


∂H
• The specific heat at constant pressure: C p =
∂T p


∂U
• The specific heat at constant volume: C V =
∂T V
34 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

For an ideal gas holds: C mp − CmV = R. Further, if the temperature is high enough to thermalize all internal
rotational and vibrational degrees of freedom, holds: C V = 12 sR. Hence Cp = 12 (s + 2)R. For their ratio now
follows γ = (2 + s)/s. For a lower T one needs only to consider the thermalized degrees of freedom. For a
Van der Waals gas holds: CmV = 12 sR + ap/RT 2.
In general holds:



2

∂p ∂V ∂V ∂p
Cp − CV = T · = −T ≥0
∂T V ∂T p ∂T p ∂V T

Because (∂p/∂V )T is always < 0, the following is always valid: C p ≥ CV . If the coefficient of expansion is
0, Cp = CV , and also at T = 0K.

8.4 The laws of thermodynamics

The zeroth law states that heat flows from higher to lower temperatures. The first law is the conservation of
energy. For a closed system holds: Q = ∆U + W , where Q is the total added heat, W the work done and
∆U the difference in the internal energy. In differential form this becomes: d Q = dU + d W , where d means
that the it is not a differential of a quantity of state. For a quasi-static process holds: d W = pdV . So for a
reversible process holds: d Q = dU + pdV .
For an open (flowing) system the first law is: Q = ∆H + W i + ∆Ekin + ∆Epot . One can extract an amount
of work Wt from the system or add W t = −Wi to the system.
The second law states: for a closed system there exists an additive quantity S, called the entropy, the differential
of which has the following property:
dQ
dS ≥
T
If the only processes occurring are reversible holds: dS = d Q rev /T . So, the entropy difference after a
reversible process is:
2
d Qrev
S2 − S1 =
T
1

d Qrev
So, for a reversible cycle holds: = 0.
T

d Qirr
For an irreversible cycle holds: < 0.
T
The third law of thermodynamics is (Nernst):


∂S
lim =0
T →0 ∂X T

From this it can be concluded that the thermal heat capacity → 0 if T → 0, so absolute zero temperature
cannot be reached by cooling through a finite number of steps.

8.5 State functions and Maxwell relations

The quantities of state and their differentials are:

Internal energy: U dU = T dS − pdV

Enthalpy: H = U + pV dH = T dS + V dp
Free energy: F = U − TS dF = −SdT − pdV
Gibbs free enthalpy: G = H − TS dG = −SdT + V dp
Chapter 8: Thermodynamics 35

From this one can derive Maxwell’s relations:









∂T ∂p ∂T ∂V ∂p ∂S ∂V ∂S
=− , = , = , =−
∂V S ∂S V ∂p S ∂S p ∂T V ∂V T ∂T p ∂p T

From the total differential and the definitions of C V and Cp it can be derived that:



∂p ∂V
T dS = CV dT + T dV and T dS = Cp dT − T dp
∂T V ∂T p

For an ideal gas also holds:





T V T p 
Sm = CV ln + R ln + Sm0 and Sm = Cp ln − R ln + Sm0
T0 V0 T0 p0
Helmholtz’ equations are:





∂U ∂p ∂H ∂V
=T −p , =V −T
∂V T ∂T V ∂p T ∂T p

for an enlarged surface holds: d W rev = −γdA, with γ the surface tension. From this follows:



∂U ∂F
γ= =
∂A S ∂A T

8.6 Processes
Work done
The efficiency η of a process is given by: η =
Heat added
Cold delivered
The Cold factor ξ of a cooling down process is given by: ξ =
Work added
Reversible adiabatic processes
For adiabatic processes holds: W = U 1 − U2 . For reversible adiabatic processes holds Poisson’s equation:
with γ = Cp /CV one gets that pV γ =constant. Also holds: T V γ−1 =constant and T γ p1−γ =constant.
Adiabatics exhibit a greater steepness p-V diagram than isothermics because γ > 1.
Isobaric processes
"2
Here holds: H2 − H1 = 1
Cp dT . For a reversible isobaric process holds: H 2 − H1 = Qrev .
The throttle process
This is also called the Joule-Kelvin effect and is an adiabatic expansion of a gas through a porous material or a
small opening. Here H is a conserved quantity, and dS > 0. In general this is accompanied with a change in
temperature. The quantity which is important here is the throttle coefficient:

 

∂T 1 ∂V
αH = = T −V
∂p H Cp ∂T p

The inversion temperature is the temperature where an adiabatically expanding gas keeps the same tempera-
ture. If T > Ti the gas heats up, if T < T i the gas cools down. T i = 2TB , with for TB : [∂(pV )/∂p]T = 0.
The throttle process is e.g. applied in refridgerators.
The Carnotprocess
The system undergoes a reversible cycle with 2 isothemics and 2 adiabatics:
1. Isothermic expansion at T 1 . The system absorbs a heat Q 1 from the reservoir.
2. Adiabatic expansion with a temperature drop to T 2 .
36 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

3. Isothermic compression at T 2 , removing Q 2 from the system.

4. Adiabatic compression to T 1 .

The efficiency for Carnot’s process is:

|Q2 | T2
η =1− =1− := ηC
|Q1 | T1

The Carnot efficiency η C is the maximal efficiency at which a heat machine can operate. If the process is
applied in reverse order and the system performs a work −W the cold factor is given by:

|Q2 | |Q2 | T2
ξ= = =
W |Q1 | − |Q2 | T1 − T2

The Stirling process

Stirling’s cycle exists of 2 isothermics and 2 isochorics. The efficiency in the ideal case is the same as for
Carnot’s cycle.

8.7 Maximal work

Consider a system that changes from state 1 into state 2, with the temperature and pressure of the surroundings
given by T 0 and p0 . The maximum work which can be obtained from this change is, when all processes are
reversible:

1. Closed system: Wmax = (U1 − U2 ) − T0 (S1 − S2 ) + p0 (V1 − V2 ).

2. Open system: Wmax = (H1 − H2 ) − T0 (S1 − S2 ) − ∆Ekin − ∆Epot .

The minimal work needed to attain a certain state is: W min = −Wmax .

8.8 Phase transitions

Phase transitions are isothermic and isobaric, so dG = 0. When the phases are indicated by α, β and γ holds:
Gα β
m = Gm and
rβα
∆Sm = Sm α
− Sm
β
=
T0
where rβα is the transition heat of phase β to phase α and T 0 is the transition temperature. The following
holds: rβα = rαβ and rβα = rγα − rγβ . Further


∂Gm
Sm =
∂T p

so G has a twist in the transition point. In a two phase system Clapeyron’s equation is valid:

dp S α − Sm
β
rβα
= m β
=
dT Vm − Vm
α (Vm − Vmβ )T
α

For an ideal gas one finds for the vapor line at some distance from the critical point:

p = p0 e−rβα/RT

There exist also phase transitions with r βα = 0. For those there will occur only a discontinuity in the second
derivates of Gm . These second-order transitions appear at organization phenomena.
A phase-change of the 3rd order, so with e.g. [∂ 3 Gm /∂T 3 ]p non continuous arises e.g. when ferromagnetic
iron changes to the paramagnetic state.
Chapter 8: Thermodynamics 37

8.9 Thermodynamic potential

When the number of particles within a system changes this number becomes a third quantity of state. Because
addition of matter usually takes place at constant p and T , G is the relevant quantity. If a system exists of more
components this becomes: 
dG = −SdT + V dp + µi dni
i


∂G
where µ = is called the thermodynamic potential. This is a partial quantity. For V holds:
∂ni p,T,nj


c
 
c
∂V
V = ni := ni Vi
i=1
∂ni nj ,p,T i=1

where Vi is the partial volume of component i. The following holds:


Vm = xi Vi
i

0 = xi dVi
i

where xi = ni /n is the molar fraction of component i. The molar volume of a mixture of two components
can be a concave line in a V -x 2 diagram: the mixing contracts the volume.
The
 thermodynamic potentials are not independent in a multiple-phase
 system. It can be derived that
ni dµi = −SdT + V dp, this gives at constant p and T : xi dµi = 0 (Gibbs-Duhmen).
i i
Each component has as much µ’s as there are phases. The number of free parameters in a system with c
components and p different phases is given by f = c + 2 − p.

8.10 Ideal mixtures

For a mixture of n components holds (the index 0 is the value for the pure component):
  
Umixture = ni Ui0 , Hmixture = ni Hi0 , Smixture = n xi Si0 + ∆Smix
i i i

where for ideal gases holds: ∆S mix = −nR xi ln(xi ).
i

For the thermodynamic potentials holds: µ i = µ0i + RT ln(xi ) < µ0i . A mixture of two liquids is rarely ideal:
this is usually only the case for chemically related components or isotopes. In spite of this holds Raoult’s law
for the vapour pressure holds for many binary mixtures: p i = xi p0i = yi p. Here is xi the fraction of the ith
component in liquid phase and y i the fraction of the ith component in gas phase.
A solution of one component in another gives rise to an increase in the boiling point ∆T k and a decrease of
the freezing point ∆T s . For x2  1 holds:
RTk2 RT 2
∆Tk = x2 , ∆Ts = − s x2
rβα rγβ
with rβα the evaporation heat and r γβ < 0 the melting heat. For the osmotic pressure Π of a solution holds:
0
ΠVm1 = x2 RT .

8.11 Conditions for equilibrium

When a system evolves towards equilibrium the only changes that are possible are those for which holds:
(dS)U,V ≥ 0 or (dU )S,V ≤ 0 or (dH)S,p ≤ 0 or (dF )T,V ≤ 0 or (dG)T,p ≤ 0. In equilibrium for each
β γ
component holds: µ α
i = µi = µi .
38 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

8.12 Statistical basis for thermodynamics

The number of possibilities P to distribute N particles on n possible energy levels, each with a g-fold degen-
eracy is called the thermodynamic probability and is given by:
1 g ni
i
P = N!
i
ni !

The most probable distribution, that with the maximum value for P , is the equilibrium state. When Stirling’s
equation, ln(n!) ≈ n ln(n) − n is used, one finds for a discrete system the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution.
The occupation numbers in equilibrium are then given by:


N Wi
ni = gi exp −
Z kT

The state sum Z is a normalization constant, given by: Z = gi exp(−Wi /kT ). For an ideal gas holds:
i

V (2πmkT )3/2
Z=
h3

The entropy can then be defined as: S = k ln(P ) . For a system in thermodynamic equilibrium this becomes:



U Z U ZN
S= + kN ln + kN ≈ + k ln
T N T N!


V (2πmkT )3/2
For an ideal gas, with U = 32 kT then holds: S = 52 kN + kN ln
N h3

8.13 Application to other systems

Thermodynamics can be applied to other systems than gases and liquids. To do this the term d W = pdV has
to be replaced with the correct work term, like d W rev = −F dl for the stretching of a wire, d W rev = −γdA
for the expansion of a soap bubble or d W rev = −BdM for a magnetic system.
A rotating, non-charged black hole has a temparature of T = h̄c/8πkm. It has an entropy S = Akc 3 /4h̄κ
with A the area of its event horizon. For a Schwarzschild black hole A is given by A = 16πm 2 . Hawkings
area theorem states that dA/dt ≥ 0.
Hence, the lifetime of a black hole ∼ m 3 .
Chapter 9

Transport phenomena

9.1 Mathematical introduction

An important relation is: if X is a quantity of a volume element which travels from position r to r + dr in a
time dt, the total differential dX is then given by:

∂X ∂X ∂X ∂X dX ∂X ∂X ∂X ∂X
dX = dx + dy + dz + dt ⇒ = vx + vy + vz +
∂x ∂y ∂z ∂t dt ∂x ∂y ∂z ∂t

dX ∂X
This results in general to: = + (v · ∇)X .
dt ∂t
  
d ∂
From this follows that also holds: Xd3 V = Xd3 V +
X(v · n )d2 A
dt ∂t
where the volume V is surrounded by surface A. Some properties of the ∇ operator are:

div(φv ) = φdivv + gradφ · v rot(φv ) = φrotv + (gradφ) × v rot gradφ = 0

div(u × v ) = v · (rotu ) − u · (rotv ) rot rotv = grad divv − ∇2v div rotv = 0
div gradφ = ∇2 φ ∇2v ≡ (∇2 v1 , ∇2 v2 , ∇2 v3 )

Here, v is an arbitrary vector field and φ an arbitrary scalar field. Some important integral theorems are:
 
Gauss:
(v · n )d A =
2
(divv )d3 V
 
Stokes for a scalar field: (φ · et )ds = (n × gradφ)d2 A
 
Stokes for a vector field: (v · et )ds = (rotv · n )d2 A

This results in:
(rotv · n )d2 A = 0
 
Ostrogradsky:
(n × v )d A =
2
(rotv )d3 A
 

(φn )d A =
2
(gradφ)d3 V
"" 0
Here, the orientable surface d2 A is limited by the Jordan curve ds.

9.2 Conservation laws

On a volume work two types of forces:

1. The force f0 on each volume element. For gravity holds: f0 = 3g.

2. Surface forces working only on the margins: t. For these holds: t = n T, where T is the stress tensor.
40 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

T can be split in a part pI representing the normal tensions and a part T  representing the shear stresses:
T = T + pI, where I is the unit tensor. When viscous aspects can be ignored holds: divT= −gradp.
When the flow velocity is v at position r holds on position r + dr:

v (dr ) = v (r ) + dr · (gradv )

*+,- * +, -
translation rotation, deformation, dilatation

The quantity L:=gradv can be split in a symmetric part D and an antisymmetric part W. L = D + W with



1 ∂vi ∂vj 1 ∂vi ∂vj
Dij := + , Wij := −
2 ∂xj ∂xi 2 ∂xj ∂xi

ω = rotv is introduced holds: W ij = 12 εijk ωk . ω

When the rotation or vorticity   represents the local rotation

velocity: dr · W = 2 ω × dr.
1 

For a Newtonian liquid holds: T  = 2ηD. Here, η is the dynamical viscosity. This is related to the shear stress
τ by:
∂vi
τij = η
∂xj
For compressible media can be stated: T  = (η  divv )I + 2ηD. From equating the thermodynamical and
mechanical pressure it follows: 3η  + 2η = 0. If the viscosity is constant holds: div(2D) = ∇ 2v + grad divv .
The conservation laws for mass, momentum and energy for continuous media can be written in both integral
and differential form. They are:
Integral notation:
 
∂
1. Conservation of mass: 3d V +
3(v · n )d2 A = 0
3
∂t
   
∂
2. Conservation of momentum: 3v d V +
3v (v · n )d A =
3 2
f0 d V +
n · T d2 A
3
∂t
 
∂
3. Conservation of energy: ( 2 v + e)3d V +
( 12 v 2 + e)3(v · n )d2 A =
1 2 3
∂t
  
−
(q · n )d A +
2 
(v · f0 )d V +
(v · n T)d2 A
3

Differential notation:
∂3
1. Conservation of mass: + div · (3v ) = 0
∂t
∂v
2. Conservation of momentum: 3 + (3v · ∇)v = f0 + divT = f0 − gradp + divT
∂t
ds de p d3
3. Conservation of energy: 3T =3 − = −divq + T : D
dt dt 3 dt
 is
Here, e is the internal energy per unit of mass E/m and s is the entropy per unit of mass S/m. q = −κ ∇T
the heat flow. Further holds:
∂E ∂e ∂E ∂e
p=− =− , T = =
∂V ∂1/3 ∂S ∂s
so


∂e ∂h
CV = and Cp =
∂T V ∂T p
with h = H/m the enthalpy per unit of mass.
Chapter 9: Transport phenomena 41

From this one can derive the Navier-Stokes equations for an incompressible, viscous and heat-conducting
medium:

divv = 0
∂v
3 + 3(v · ∇)v = 3g − gradp + η∇2v
∂t
∂T
3C + 3C(v · ∇)T = κ∇2 T + 2ηD : D
∂t

with C the thermal heat capacity. The force F on an object within a flow, when viscous effects are limited to
the boundary layer, can be obtained using the momentum law. If a surface A surrounds the object outside the
boundary layer holds: 
F = −
[pn + 3v (v · n )]d2 A

9.3 Bernoulli’s equations

Starting with the momentum equation one can find for a non-viscous medium for stationary flows, with

(v · grad)v = 12 grad(v 2 ) + (rotv ) × v

and the potential equation g = −grad(gh) that:


1 2 dp
2 v + gh + 3
= constant along a streamline

For compressible flows holds: 12 v 2 + gh + p/3 =constant " along a line of flow. If also holds rotv = 0 and
the entropy is equal on each streamline holds 12 v 2 + gh + dp/3 =constant everywhere. For incompressible
flows this becomes: 12 v 2 + gh + p/3 =constant everywhere. For ideal gases with constant C p and CV holds,
with γ = Cp /CV :
1 2 γ p 1 2 c2
2 v + γ − 1 3 = 2 v + γ − 1 = constant

With a velocity potential defined by v = gradφ holds for instationary flows:


∂φ 1 2 dp
+ 2 v + gh + = constant everywhere
∂t 3

9.4 Characterising of flows by dimensionless numbers

The advantage of dimensionless numbers is that they make model experiments possible: one has to make
the dimensionless numbers which are important for the specific experiment equal for both model and the
real situation. One can also deduce functional equalities without solving the differential equations. Some
dimensionless numbers are given by:

ωL v2 v
Strouhal: Sr = Froude: Fr = Mach: Ma =
v gL c
a vL vL
Fourier: Fo = Péclet: Pe = Reynolds: Re =
ωL2 a ν
ν Lα v2
Prandtl: Pr = Nusselt: Nu = Eckert: Ec =
a κ c∆T
Here, ν = η/3 is the kinematic viscosity, c is the speed of sound and L is a characteristic length of the system.
α follows from the equation for heat transport κ∂ y T = α∆T and a = κ/3c is the thermal diffusion coefficient.
These numbers can be interpreted as follows:
• Re: (stationary inertial forces)/(viscous forces)
42 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

• Sr: (non-stationary inertial forces)/(stationary inertial forces)

• Fr: (stationary inertial forces)/(gravity)
• Fo: (heat conductance)/(non-stationary change in enthalpy)
• Pe: (convective heat transport)/(heat conductance)
• Ec: (viscous dissipation)/(convective heat transport)
• Ma: (velocity)/(speed of sound): objects moving faster than approximately Ma = 0,8 produce shock-
waves which propagate with an angle θ with the velocity of the object. For this angle holds Ma=
1/ arctan(θ).
• Pr and Nu are related to specific materials.
Now, the dimensionless Navier-Stokes equation becomes, with x  = x/L, v  = v /V , grad = Lgrad, ∇2 =
L2 ∇2 and t = tω:
∂v  g ∇2v 
Sr  + (v  · ∇ )v  = −grad p + +
∂t Fr Re

9.5 Tube flows

For tube flows holds: they are laminar if Re< 2300 with dimension of length the diameter of the tube, and
turbulent if Re is larger. For an incompressible laminar flow through a straight, circular tube holds for the
velocity profile:
1 dp 2
v(r) = − (R − r2 )
4η dx
R
π dp 4
For the volume flow holds: Φ V = v(r)2πrdr = − R
8η dx
0

The entrance length L e is given by:

1. 500 < ReD < 2300: Le /2R = 0.056ReD
2. Re > 2300: Le /2R ≈ 50
√
4R3 α π dp
For gas transport at low pressures (Knudsen-gas) holds: Φ V =
3 dx
For flows at a small Re holds: ∇p = η∇ v and divv = 0. For the total force on a sphere with radius R in a
2

flow then holds: F = 6πηRv. For large Re holds for the force on a surface A: F = 12 CW A3v 2 .

9.6 Potential theory

  
The circulation Γ is defined as: Γ = (v · et )ds = (rotv ) · nd2 A = (ω · n )d2 A

For non viscous media, if p = p(3) and all forces are conservative, Kelvin’s theorem can be derived:
dΓ
=0
dt
For rotationless flows a velocity potential v = gradφ can be introduced. In the incompressible case follows
from conservation of mass ∇ 2 φ = 0. For a 2-dimensional flow a flow function ψ(x, y) can be defined: with
ΦAB the amount of liquid flowing through a curve s between the points A and B:
B B
ΦAB = (v · n )ds = (vx dy − vy dx)
A A
Chapter 9: Transport phenomena 43

and the definitions v x = ∂ψ/∂y, vy = −∂ψ/∂x holds: ΦAB = ψ(B) − ψ(A). In general holds:

∂2ψ ∂2ψ
2
+ = −ωz
∂x ∂y 2

In polar coordinates holds:

1 ∂ψ ∂φ ∂ψ 1 ∂φ
vr = = , vθ = − =
r ∂θ ∂r ∂r r ∂θ
Q
For source flows with power Q in (x, y) = (0, 0) holds: φ = ln(r) so that vr = Q/2πr, vθ = 0.
2π
For a dipole of strength Q in x = a and strength −Q in x = −a follows from superposition: φ = −Qax/2πr 2
where Qa is the dipole strength. For a vortex holds: φ = Γθ/2π.
If an object is surrounded by an uniform main flow with v = ve x and such a large Re that viscous effects are
limited to the boundary layer holds: F x = 0 and Fy = −3Γv. The statement that Fx = 0 is d’Alembert’s
paradox and originates from the neglection of viscous effects. The lift F y is also created by η because Γ = 0
due to viscous effects. Henxe rotating bodies also create a force perpendicular to their direction of motion: the
Magnus effect.

9.7 Boundary layers

9.7.1 Flow boundary layers
√
If for the thickness of the boundary layer holds: δ  L holds: δ ≈ L/ Re. With v∞ the velocity of the main
flow it follows for the velocity v y ⊥ the surface: vy L ≈ δv∞ . Blasius’ equation for the boundary layer is,
with vy /v∞ = f (y/δ): 2f  + f f  = 0 with boundary conditions f (0) = f  (0) = 0, f  (∞) = 1. From this
follows: CW = 0.664 Re−1/2 x .
d dv τ0
The momentum theorem of Von Karman for the boundary layer is: (ϑv 2 ) + δ ∗ v =
dx dx 3
where the displacement thickness δ ∗ v and the momentum thickness ϑv 2 are given by:
∞ ∞ 
∗ ∂vx 
ϑv = (v − vx )vx dy , δ v = (v − vx )dy and τ0 = −η
2
∂y y=0
0 0


∂vx dp 12ηv∞
The boundary layer is released from the surface if = 0. This is equivalent with = .
∂y y=0 dx δ2

9.7.2 Temperature boundary layers

√
If the thickness of the temperature boundary layer δ T  L holds: 1. If Pr ≤ 1: δ/δ T ≈ √Pr.
2. If Pr  1: δ/δT ≈ 3 Pr.

9.8 Heat conductance

For non-stationairy heat conductance in one dimension without flow holds:

∂T κ ∂2T
= +Φ
∂t 3c ∂x2

where Φ is a source term. If Φ = 0 the solutions for harmonic oscillations at x = 0 are:

T − T∞  x  x
= exp − cos ωt −
Tmax − T∞ D D
44 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers


with D = 2κ/ω3c. At x = πD the temperature variation is in anti-phase with the surface. The one-
dimensional solution at Φ = 0 is

1 x2
T (x, t) = √ exp −
2 πat 4at
This is mathematical equivalent to the diffusion problem:

∂n
= D∇2 n + P − A
∂t
where P is the production of and A the discharge of particles. The flow density J = −D∇n.

9.9 Turbulence
√
The time scale of turbulent velocity variations τ t is of the order of: τ t = τ Re/Ma2 with τ the molecular
time scale. For the velocity of the particles holds: v(t) = v + v  (t) with v  (t) = 0. The Navier-Stokes
equation now becomes:

∂ v  ∇ p divSR

+ (v  · ∇) v  = − + ν∇2 v  +
∂t 3 3
. /
where SR ij = −3 vi vj  is the turbulent stress tensor. Boussinesq’s assumption is: τ ij = −3 vi vj . It is
stated that, analogous to Newtonian media: S R = 23νt D. Near a boundary holds: ν t = 0, far away of a
boundary holds: ν t ≈ νRe.

9.10 Self organization

dω ∂ω
For a (semi) two-dimensional flow holds: = + J(ω, ψ) = ν∇2 ω
dt ∂t
With J(ω, ψ) the Jacobian. So if ν = 0, ω is conserved. Further, the kinetic energy/mA and the enstrofy V
are conserved: with v = ∇ × (kψ)
∞ ∞
E ∼ (∇ψ) ∼ 2
E(k, t)dk = constant , V ∼ (∇ ψ) ∼
2 2
k 2 E(k, t)dk = constant
0 0

From this follows that in a two-dimensional flow the energy flux goes towards large values of k: larger struc-
tures become larger at the expanse of smaller ones. In three-dimensional flows the situation is just the opposite.
Chapter 10

Quantum physics

10.1 Introduction to quantum physics

10.1.1 Black body radiation
Planck’s law for the energy distribution for the radiation of a black body is:
8πhf 3 1 8πhc 1
w(f ) = , w(λ) =
c 3 e hf /kT −1 5
λ e hc/λkT −1
Stefan-Boltzmann’s law for the total power density can be derived from this: P = AσT 4 . Wien’s law for the
maximum can also be derived from this: T λ max = kW .

10.1.2 The Compton effect

For the wavelength of scattered light, if light is considered to exist of particles, can be derived:
h
λ = λ + (1 − cos θ) = λ + λC (1 − cos θ)
mc

10.1.3 Electron diffraction

Diffraction of electrons at a crystal can be explained by assuming that particles have a wave character with
wavelength λ = h/p. This wavelength is called the Broglie-wavelength.

10.2 Wave functions

The wave character of particles is described by a wavefunction ψ. This wavefunction can be described in
normal or momentum space. Both definitions are each others Fourier transform:
 
1 −ikx 1
Φ(k, t) = √ Ψ(x, t)e dx and Ψ(x, t) = √ Φ(k, t)eikx dk
h h
These waves define a particle with group velocity v g = p/m and energy E = h̄ω.
The wavefunction can be interpreted as a measure for the probability P to find a particle somewhere (Born):
dP = |ψ|2 d3 V . The expectation value f  of a quantity f of a system is given by:
 
∗
f (t) = Ψ f Ψd V , fp (t) =
3
Φ∗ f Φd3 Vp

This is also written as f (t) = Φ|f |Φ. The normalizing condition for wavefunctions follows from this:
Φ|Φ = Ψ|Ψ = 1.

10.3 Operators in quantum physics

In quantum mechanics, classical quantities are translated into operators. These operators are hermitian because
their eigenvalues must be real:  
ψ1∗ Aψ2 d3 V = ψ2 (Aψ1 )∗ d3 V
46 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

When un is the eigenfunction of 

the eigenvalue equation AΨ = aΨ for eigenvalue a n , Ψ can be expanded into
a basis of eigenfunctions: Ψ = cn un . If this basis is taken orthonormal, then follows for the coefficients:
n
cn = un |Ψ. If the system is in a state described by Ψ, the chance to find eigenvalue a n when measuring A is
given by |c n |2 in the discrete part of the spectrum and |c n |2 da in the continuous part of the spectrum between
a and 
a + da. The matrix element  A ij is given by: Aij = ui |A|uj . Because (AB)ij = ui |AB|uj  =
ui |A |un  un |B|uj  holds: |un un | = 1.
n n
The time-dependence of an operator is given by (Heisenberg):
dA ∂A [A, H]
= +
dt ∂t ih̄
with [A, B] ≡ AB − BA the commutator of A and B. For hermitian operators the commutator is always
complex. If [A, B] = 0, the operators A and B have a common set of eigenfunctions. By applying this to p x
and x follows (Ehrenfest): md 2 xt /dt2 = − dU (x)/dx.
The first order approximation F (x) t ≈ F (x), with F = −dU/dx represents the classical equation.
Before the addition of quantummechanical operators which are a product of other operators, they should be
made symmetrical: a classical product AB becomes 12 (AB + BA).

10.4 The uncertainty principle

. / . / 2
If the uncertainty ∆A in A is defined as: (∆A) 2 = ψ|Aop − A |2 ψ = A2 − A it follows:
∆A · ∆B ≥ 12 | ψ|[A, B]|ψ |
From this follows: ∆E · ∆t ≥ 12 h̄, and because [x, p x ] = ih̄ holds: ∆px · ∆x ≥ 12 h̄, and ∆Lx · ∆Ly ≥ 12 h̄Lz .

10.5 The Schrödinger equation

The momentum operator is given by: p op = −ih̄∇. The position operator is: x op = ih̄∇p . The energy
operator is given by: E op = ih̄∂/∂t. The Hamiltonian of a particle with mass m, potential energy U and total
energy E is given by: H = p 2 /2m + U . From Hψ = Eψ then follows the Schr ödinger equation:

h̄2 2 ∂ψ
− ∇ ψ + U ψ = Eψ = ih̄
2m ∂t
The linear combination of the solutions of this equation give the general solution. In one dimension it is:

  

iEt
ψ(x, t) = + dE c(E)uE (x) exp −
h̄
h̄
The current density J is given by: J = (ψ ∗ ∇ψ − ψ∇ψ ∗ )
2im
∂P (x, t)
The following conservation law holds: = −∇J(x, t)
∂t

10.6 Parity
The parity operator in one dimension is given by Pψ(x) = ψ(−x). If the wavefunction is split in even and
odd functions, it can be expanded into eigenfunctions of P:
ψ(x) = 12 (ψ(x) + ψ(−x)) + 12 (ψ(x) − ψ(−x))
* +, - * +, -
+ −
even: ψ odd: ψ

[P, H] = 0. The functions ψ + = 12 (1 + P)ψ(x, t) and ψ − = 12 (1 − P)ψ(x, t) both satisfy the Schrödinger
equation. Hence, parity is a conserved quantity.
Chapter 10: Quantum physics 47

10.7 The tunnel effect

The wavefunction of a particle in an ∞ high potential step from x = 0 to x = a is given by ψ(x) =
a−1/2 sin(kx). The energylevels are given by E n = n2 h2 /8a2 m.
If the wavefunction with energy W meets a potential well of W 0 > W the wavefunction will, unlike the
classical case, be non-zero within the potential well. If 1, 2 and 3 are the areas in front, within and behind the
potential well, holds:
 
ψ1 = Aeikx + Be−ikx , ψ2 = Ceik x + De−ik x , ψ3 = A eikx

with k 2 = 2m(W − W0 )/h̄2 and k 2 = 2mW . Using the boundary conditions requiring continuity: ψ =
continuous and ∂ψ/∂x =continuous at x = 0 and x = a gives B, C and D and A  expressed in A. The
amplitude T of the transmitted wave is defined by T = |A  |2 /|A|2 . If W > W0 and 2a = nλ = 2πn/k 
holds: T = 1.

10.8 The harmonic oscillator

For a harmonic oscillator holds: U = 12 bx2 and ω02 = b/m. The Hamiltonian H is then given by:

p2
H= + 1 mω 2 x2 = 12 h̄ω + ωA† A
2m 2
with  
ip ip
A= 1
2 mωx +√ and A† = 1
2 mωx −√
2mω 2mω
A = A† is non hermitian. [A, A † ] = h̄ and [A, H] = h̄ωA. A is a so called raising ladder operator, A † a
lowering ladder operator. HAu E = (E − h̄ω)AuE . There is an eigenfunction u 0 for which holds: Au 0 = 0.
The energy in this ground state is 12 h̄ω: the zero point energy. For the normalized eigenfunctions follows:

n 

1 A† mω mωx2
un = √ √ u0 with u0 = 4
exp −
n! h̄ πh̄ 2h̄

with En = ( 12 + n)h̄ω.

10.9 Angular momentum

For the angular momentum operators L holds: [L z , L2 ] = [Lz , H] = [L2 , H] = 0. However, cyclically holds:
[Lx , Ly ] = ih̄Lz . Not all components of L can be known at the same time with arbitrary accuracy. For L z
holds:

∂ ∂ ∂
Lz = −ih̄ = −ih̄ x −y
∂ϕ ∂y ∂x
The ladder operators L ± are defined by: L ± = Lx ± iLy . Now holds: L2 = L+ L− + L2z − h̄Lz . Further,


∂ ∂
L± = h̄e±iϕ ± + i cot(θ)
∂θ ∂ϕ

From [L+ , Lz ] = −h̄L+ follows: Lz (L+ Ylm ) = (m + 1)h̄(L+ Ylm ).

From [L− , Lz ] = h̄L− follows: Lz (L− Ylm ) = (m − 1)h̄(L− Ylm ).
From [L2 , L± ] = 0 follows: L2 (L± Ylm ) = l(l + 1)h̄2 (L± Ylm ).
Because Lx and Ly are hermitian (this implies L †± = L∓ ) and |L± Ylm |2 > 0 follows: l(l + 1) − m2 − m ≥
0 ⇒ −l ≤ m ≤ l. Further follows that l has to be integral or half-integral. Half-odd integral values give no
unique solution ψ and are therefore dismissed.
48 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

10.10 Spin
For the spin operators are defined by their commutation relations: [S x , Sy ] = ih̄Sz . Because the spin operators
do not act in the physical space (x, y, z) the uniqueness of the wavefunction is not a criterium here: also half
odd-integer values are allowed for the spin. Because [L, S] = 0 spin and angular momentum operators do not

have a common set of eigenfunctions. The spin operators are given by S = 1 h̄σ , with
2




 0 1 0 −i 1 0
σ x = , σ y = , σ z =
1 0 i 0 0 −1

The eigenstates of S z are called spinors: χ = α+ χ+ + α− χ− , where χ+ = (1, 0) represents the state with
spin up (Sz = 12 h̄) and χ− = (0, 1) represents the state with spin down (S z = − 12 h̄). Then the probability
to find spin up after a measurement is given by |α + |2 and the chance to find spin down is given by |α − |2 . Of
course holds |α+ |2 + |α− |2 = 1.
The electron will have an intrinsic magnetic dipole moment M  due to its spin, given by M 
 = −egS S/2m,
with gS = 2(1 + α/2π + · · ·) the gyromagnetic ratio. In the presence of an external magnetic field this gives
a potential energy U = − M · B.
 The Schrödinger equation then becomes (because ∂χ/∂x i ≡ 0):

∂χ(t) egS h̄
ih̄ = 
σ · Bχ(t)
∂t 4m
with σ = ( σ y , 
σ x ,  σ z ). If B
 = Bez there are two eigenvalues for this problem: χ ± for E = ±egS h̄B/4m =
±h̄ω. So the general solution is given by χ = (ae −iωt , beiωt ). From this can be derived: S x  = 12 h̄ cos(2ωt)
and Sy  = 12 h̄ sin(2ωt). Thus the spin precesses about the z-axis with frequency 2ω. This causes the normal
Zeeman splitting of spectral lines.
The potential operator for two particles with spin ± 12 h̄ is given by:
1  
V (r) = V1 (r) + (S1 · S2 )V2 (r) = V1 (r) + 12 V2 (r)[S(S + 1) − 32 ]
h̄2
This makes it possible for two states to exist: S = 1 (triplet) or S = 0 (Singlet).

10.11 The Dirac formalism

If the operators for p and E are substituted in the relativistic equation E 2 = m20 c4 + p2 c2 , the Klein-Gordon
equation is found:


1 ∂2 m20 c2
∇ − 2 2−
2
ψ(x, t) = 0
c ∂t h̄2

The operator ✷ − m 20 c2 /h̄2 can be separated:

  
1 ∂2 m 2 c2 ∂ m0 c ∂ m0 c
∇2 − 2 2
− 02 = γλ − γµ +
c ∂t h̄ ∂xλ h̄ ∂xµ h̄
where the Dirac matrices γ are given by: {γ λ , γµ } = γλ γµ + γµ γλ = 2δλµ (In general relativity this becomes
2gλµ ). From this it can be derived that the γ are hermitian 4 × 4 matrices given by:



0 −iσk I 0
γk = , γ4 =
iσk 0 0 −I

With this, the Dirac equation becomes:


∂ m0 c
γλ + ψ(x, t) = 0
∂xλ h̄

where ψ(x) = (ψ1 (x), ψ2 (x), ψ3 (x), ψ4 (x)) is a spinor.

Chapter 10: Quantum physics 49

10.12 Atomic physics

10.12.1 Solutions
The solutions of the Schrödinger equation in spherical coordinates if the potential energy is a function of r
alone can be written as: ψ(r, θ, ϕ) = R nl (r)Yl,ml (θ, ϕ)χms , with

Clm
Ylm = √ Plm (cos θ)eimϕ
2π

For an atom or ion with one electron holds: R lm (ρ) = Clm e−ρ/2 ρl L2l+1
n−l−1 (ρ)

with ρ = 2rZ/na0 with a0 = ε0 h2 /πme e2 . The Lji are the associated Laguere functions and the P lm are the
associated Legendre polynomials:

|m| d|m| & 2 ' (−1)m n! −x −m dn−m −x n

Pl (x) = (1 − x2 )m/2 (x − 1)l , Lm
n (x) = e x (e x )
dx |m| (n − m)! dxn−m


n−1
The parity of these solutions is (−1) l . The functions are 2 (2l + 1) = 2n2 -folded degenerated.
l=0

10.12.2 Eigenvalue equations

The eigenvalue equations for an atom or ion with with one electron are:

Equation Eigenvalue Range

Hop ψ = Eψ En = µe4 Z 2 /8ε20 h2 n2 n≥1
Lzop Ylm = Lz Ylm Lz = ml h̄ −l ≤ ml ≤ l
2
L2op Ylm 2
= L Ylm 2
L = l(l + 1)h̄ l<n
Szop χ = Sz χ Sz = ms h̄ ms = ± 12
2
Sop χ = S2χ S 2 = s(s + 1)h̄2 s= 1
2

10.12.3 Spin-orbit interaction

The total momentum is given by J = L  +M  . The total magnetic dipole moment of an electron is then
M = M L + M  S = −(e/2me )(L  where gS = 2.0023 is the gyromagnetic ratio of the electron.
 + gS S)
Further holds: J 2 = L2 + S 2 + 2L  ·S = L2 + S 2 + 2Lz Sz + L+ S− + L− S+ . J has quantum numbers j
with possible values j = l ± 2 , with 2j + 1 possible z-components (m J ∈ {−j, .., 0, .., j}). If the interaction
1

energy between S and L is small it can be stated that: E = E n + ESL = En + aS  · L.

 It can then be derived
that:
|En |Z 2 α2
a= 2
h̄ nl(l + 1)(l + 12 )
After a relativistic correction this becomes:


|En |Z 2 α2 3 1
E = En + − 1
n 4n j + 2

The fine structure in atomic spectra arises from this. With g S = 2 follows for the average magnetic moment:
 av = −(e/2me )gh̄J,
M  where g is the Landé-factor:

 · J
S j(j + 1) + s(s + 1) − l(l + 1)
g =1+ =1+
J2 2j(j + 1)

For atoms with more than one electron the following limiting situations occur:
50 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

1. L − S coupling: for small atoms the electrostatic interaction is dominant and the state can be char-
acterized by L, S, J, mJ . J ∈ {|L − S|, ..., L + S − 1, L + S} and mJ ∈ {−J, ..., J − 1, J}. The
spectroscopic notation for this interaction is: 2S+1 LJ . 2S + 1 is the multiplicity of a multiplet.

2. j − j coupling: for larger atoms the electrostatic interaction is smaller than the L i · si interaction of
an electron. The state is characterized by j i ...jn , J, mJ where only the j i of the not completely filled
subshells are to be taken into account.

The energy difference for larger atoms when placed in a magnetic field is: ∆E = gµ B mJ B where g is the
Landé factor. For a transition between two singlet states the line splits in 3 parts, for ∆m J = −1, 0 + 1. This
results in the normal Zeeman effect. At higher S the line splits up in more parts: the anomalous Zeeman effect.
Interaction with the spin of the nucleus gives the hyperfine structure.

10.12.4 Selection rules

 · r |l1 m1 |. Conservation of angular mo-
For the dipole transition matrix elements follows: p 0 ∼ |l2 m2 |E
mentum demands that for the transition of an electron holds that ∆l = ±1.
For an atom where L − S coupling is dominant further holds: ∆S = 0 (but not strict), ∆L = 0, ±1, ∆J =
0, ±1 except for J = 0 → J = 0 transitions, ∆m J = 0, ±1, but ∆mJ = 0 is forbidden if ∆J = 0.
For an atom where j − j coupling is dominant further holds: for the jumping electron holds, except ∆l = ±1,
also: ∆j = 0, ±1, and for all other electrons: ∆j = 0. For the total atom holds: ∆J = 0, ±1 but no
J = 0 → J = 0 transitions and ∆mJ = 0, ±1, but ∆mJ = 0 is forbidden if ∆J = 0.

10.13 Interaction with electromagnetic fields

The Hamiltonian of an electron in an electromagnetic field is given by:
2 2
1  2 − eV = − h̄ ∇2 + e B  + e A2 − eV
 ·L
H= (
p + eA)
2µ 2µ 2µ 2µ

where µ is the reduced mass of the system. The term ∼ A 2 can usually be neglected, except for very strong
 = Bez it is given by e2 B 2 (x2 + y 2 )/8µ.
fields or macroscopic motions. For B

When a gauge transformation A  = A − ∇f , V  = V + ∂f /∂t is applied to the potentials the wavefunction


is also transformed according to ψ = ψeiqef /h̄ with qe the charge of the particle. Because f = f (x, t), this
is called a local gauge transformation, in contrast with a global gauge transformation which can always be
applied.

10.14 Perturbation theory

10.14.1 Time-independent perturbation theory
To solve the equation (H 0 + λH1 )ψn = En ψn one has to find the eigenfunctions of H = H 0 + λH1 . Suppose
that φn is a complete set of eigenfunctions of the non-perturbed Hamiltonian H 0 : H0 φn = En0 φn . Because
φn is a complete set holds:
 
  
ψn = N (λ) φn + cnk (λ)φk
 
k=n

(1) (2)
When cnk and En are being expanded into λ: c nk = λcnk + λ2 cnk + · · ·
(1) (2)
En = En0 + λEn + λ2 En + · · ·
Chapter 10: Quantum physics 51

(1)
and this is put into the Schrödinger equation the result is: E n = φn |H1 |φn  and
φm |H1 |φn 
c(1)
nm = if m = n. The second-order correction of the energy is then given by:
En0 − Em 0
 | φk |H1 |φn  |2  φk |λH1 |φn 
En(2) = . So to first order holds: ψ n = φn + φk .
En − Ek
0 0 En0 − Ek0
k=n k=n

In case the levels are degenerated the above does not hold. In that case an orthonormal set eigenfunctions φ ni
is chosen for each level n, so that φ mi |φnj  = δmn δij . Now ψ is expanded as:
 
  (1)  
ψn = N (λ) αi φni + λ cnk βi φki + · · ·
 
i k=n i

0 (1) 0
Eni = Eni + λEni is approximated by E ni := En0 . Substitution in the Schrödinger equation and taking dot
 (1) 
product with φni gives: αi φnj |H1 |φni  = En αj . Normalization requires that |αi |2 = 1.
i i

10.14.2 Time-dependent perturbation theory

∂ψ(t)
From the Schrödinger equation ih̄ = (H0 + λV (t))ψ(t)
∂t


−iEn0 t (1)
and the expansion ψ(t) = cn (t) exp φn with cn (t) = δnk + λcn (t) + · · ·
n
h̄

t

λ  i(En0 − Ek0 )t
follows: c(1)
n (t) = φn |V (t )|φk  exp dt
ih̄ h̄
0

10.15 N-particle systems

10.15.1 General
Identical particles are indistinguishable. For the total wavefunction of a system of identical indistinguishable
particles holds:

1. Particles with a half-odd integer spin (Fermions): ψ total must be antisymmetric w.r.t. interchange of
the coordinates (spatial and spin) of each pair of particles. The Pauli principle results from this: two
Fermions cannot exist in an identical state because then ψ total = 0.

2. Particles with an integer spin (Bosons): ψ total must be symmetric w.r.t. interchange of the coordinates
(spatial and spin) of each pair of particles.

For a system of two electrons there are 2 possibilities for the spatial wavefunction. When a and b are the
quantum numbers of electron 1 and 2 holds:

ψS (1, 2) = ψa (1)ψb (2) + ψa (2)ψb (1) , ψA (1, 2) = ψa (1)ψb (2) − ψa (2)ψb (1)

Because the particles do not approach each other closely the repulsion energy at ψ A in this state is smaller.
The following spin wavefunctions are possible:
√
χA = 12 2[χ+ (1)χ− (2) − χ+ (2)χ− (1)] ms = 0

 χ+√(1)χ+ (2) ms = +1
1
χS = 2[χ + (1)χ − (2) + χ + (2)χ − (1)] ms = 0
 2
χ− (1)χ− (2) ms = −1
Because the total wavefunction must be antisymmetric it follows: ψ total = ψS χA or ψtotal = ψA χS .
52 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

For N particles the symmetric spatial function is given by:


ψS (1, ..., N ) = ψ(all permutations of 1..N )
1
The antisymmetric wavefunction is given by the determinant ψ A (1, ..., N ) = √ |uEi (j)|
N!

10.15.2 Molecules
The wavefunctions of atom a and b are φ a and φb . If the 2 atoms approach each other there are two
√ possibilities:
the total wavefunction approaches the bonding function with lower total energy ψ B = 12 2(φa + φb ) or
√
approaches the anti-bonding function with higher energy ψ AB = 12 2(φa − φb ). If a molecular-orbital is
symmetric w.r.t. the connecting axis, like a combination of two s-orbitals it is called a σ-orbital, otherwise a
π-orbital, like the combination of two p-orbitals along two axes.
ψ|H|ψ
The energy of a system is: E = .
ψ|ψ
The energy calculated with this method is always higher than the real energy if ψ is only an approximation for
the solutions of Hψ = Eψ. Also, if there are more functions to be chosen,
 the function which gives the lowest
energy is the best approximation. Applying this to the function ψ = ci φi one finds: (Hij − ESij )ci = 0.
This equation has only solutions if the secular determinant |H ij − ESij | = 0. Here, Hij = φi |H|φj  and
Sij = φi |φj . αi := Hii is the Coulomb integral and β ij := Hij the exchange integral. S ii = 1 and Sij is
the overlap integral.
The first approximation in the molecular-orbital theory is to place both electrons of a chemical bond in the
bonding orbital: ψ(1, 2) = ψ B (1)ψB (2). This results in a large electron density between the nuclei and
therefore a repulsion. A better approximation is: ψ(1, 2) = C 1 ψB (1)ψB (2) + C2 ψAB (1)ψAB (2), with C1 = 1
and C2 ≈ 0.6.
In some atoms, such as C, it is energetical more suitable to form orbitals which are a linear combination of the
s, p and d states. There are three ways of hybridization in C:
√
1. SP-hybridization: ψ sp = 12 2(ψ2s ± ψ2pz ). There are 2 hybrid orbitals which are placed on one line
under 180◦ . Further the 2p x and 2py orbitals remain.
√  √ √
2. SP2 hybridization: ψ sp2 = ψ2s / 3 + c1 ψ2pz + c2 ψ2py , where (c1 , c2 ) ∈ {( 2/3, 0), (−1/ 6, 1/ 2)
√ √
, (−1/ 6, −1/ 2)}. The 3 SP2 orbitals lay in one plane, with symmetry axes which are at an angle of
120◦ .
3. SP3 hybridization: ψ sp3 = 12 (ψ2s ± ψ2pz ± ψ2py ± ψ2px ). The 4 SP3 orbitals form a tetraheder with the
symmetry axes at an angle of 109 ◦28 .

10.16 Quantum statistics

If a system exists in a state in which one has not the disposal of the maximal amount of information about the
system, it can be described by a density matrix ρ. If theprobability that the system is in state ψ i is given by ai ,
one can write for the expectation value a of A: a = ri ψi |A|ψi .
i
 (i)
If ψ is expanded into an orthonormal basis {φ k } as: ψ (i) = ck φk , holds:
k

A = (Aρ)kk = Tr(Aρ)
k

where ρlk = c∗k cl . ρ is hermitian, with Tr(ρ) = 1. Further holds ρ = ri |ψi ψi |. The probability to find
eigenvalue an when measuring A is given by ρ nn if one uses a basis of eigenvectors of A for {φ k }. For the
time-dependence holds (in the Schrödinger image operators are not explicitly time-dependent):
dρ
ih̄ = [H, ρ]
dt
Chapter 10: Quantum physics 53

For a macroscopic system in equilibrium holds [H, ρ] = 0. If all quantumstates with the same energy are
equally probable: P i = P (Ei ), one can obtain the distribution:

e−En /kT 
Pn (E) = ρnn = with the state sum Z = e−En /kT
Z n

The thermodynamic quantities are related to these definitions as follows: F = −kT ln(Z), U = H =
 ∂ 
pn En = − ln(Z), S = −k Pn ln(Pn ). For a mixed state of M orthonormal quantum states with
n ∂kT n
probability 1/M follows: S = k ln(M ).
The distribution function for the internal states for a system in thermal equilibrium is the most probable func-
tion. This function can be found by taking the maximum of the  function which gives
 the number of states with
Stirling’s equation: ln(n!) ≈ n ln(n) − n, and the conditions nk = N and nk Wk = W . For identical,
k k
indistinguishable particles which obey the Pauli exclusion principle the possible number of states is given by:
1 gk !
P =
nk !(gk − nk )!
k

This results in the Fermi-Dirac statistics. For indistinguishable particles which do not obey the exclusion
principle the possible number of states is given by:
1 g nk
k
P = N!
nk !
k

This results in the Bose-Einstein statistics. So the distribution functions which explain how particles are
distributed over the different one-particle states k which are each g k -fold degenerate depend on the spin of the
particles. They are given by:
N gk
1. Fermi-Dirac statistics: integer spin. n k ∈ {0, 1}, nk =
 Zg exp((Ek − µ)/kT ) + 1
with ln(Zg ) = gk ln[1 + exp((Ei − µ)/kT )].
N gk
2. Bose-Einstein statistics: half odd-integer spin. n k ∈ IN , nk =
 Zg exp((Ek − µ)/kT ) − 1
with ln(Zg ) = − gk ln[1 − exp((Ei − µ)/kT )].

Here, Zg is the large-canonical state sum and µ the chemical potential. It is found by demanding nk = N ,
and for it holds: lim µ = EF , the Fermi-energy. N is the total number of particles. The Maxwell-Boltzmann
T →0
distribution can be derived from this in the limit E k − µ  kT :

 

N Ek Ek
nk = exp − with Z = gk exp −
Z kT kT
k

With the Fermi-energy, the Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics can be written as:
gk
1. Fermi-Dirac statistics: nk = .
exp((Ek − EF )/kT ) + 1
gk
2. Bose-Einstein statistics: nk = .
exp((Ek − EF )/kT ) − 1
Chapter 11

Plasma physics

11.1 Introduction
ne
The degree of ionization α of a plasma is defined by: α =
ne + n0
where ne is the electron density and n 0 the density of the neutrals. If a plasma contains also negative charged
ions α is not well defined.
The probability that a test particle collides with another is given by dP = nσdx where σ is the cross section.
The collision frequency ν c = 1/τc = nσv. The mean free path is given by λ v = 1/nσ. The rate coefficient
K is defined by K = σv. The number of collisions per unit of time and volume between particles of kind 1
and 2 is given by n 1 n2 σv = Kn1 n2 .
The potential of an electron is given by:

 ! 
−e r ε0 kTe Ti ε0 kTe
V (r) = exp − with λD = 2
≈
4πε0 r λD e (ne Ti + ni Te ) ne e 2

because charge is shielded in a plasma. Here, λ D is the Debye length. For distances < λ D the plasma
cannot be assumed to be quasi-neutral. Deviations of charge neutrality by thermic motion are compensated by
oscillations with frequency !
ne e 2
ωpe =
me ε 0
The distance of closest approximation when two equal charged particles collide for a deviation of π/2 is
−1/3
2b0 = e2 /(4πε0 12 mv 2 ). A “neat” plasma is defined as a plasma for which holds: b 0 < ne  λD  Lp .
Here Lp := |ne /∇ne | is the gradient length of the plasma.

11.2 Transport
Relaxation times are defined as τ = 1/ν c . Starting with σm = 4πb20 ln(ΛC ) and with 12 mv 2 = kT it can be
found that: √ √
4πε20 m2 v 3 8 2πε20 m(kT )3/2
τm = 4 =
ne ln(ΛC ) ne4 ln(ΛC )
For momentum transfer between electrons and ions holds for a Maxwellian velocity distribution:
√ √ √ √
6π 3ε20 me (kTe )3/2 6π 3ε20 mi (kTi )3/2
τee = ≈ τei , τii =
ne e4 ln(ΛC ) ni e4 ln(ΛC )
The energy relaxation times for identical particles are equal to the momentum relaxation times. Because for
e-i collisions the energy
 transfer is only ∼ 2m e /mi this is a slow process. Approximately holds: τ ee : τei :
τie : τieE = 1 : 1 : mi /me : mi /me .
The relaxation for e-o interaction is much more complicated. For T > 10 eV holds approximately: σ eo =
−2/5
10−17 ve , for lower energies this can be a factor 10 lower.
The resistivity η = E/J of a plasma is given by:
√
ne e 2 e2 me ln(ΛC )
η= = √
me νei 6π 3ε20 (kTe )3/2
Chapter 11: Plasma physics 55

The diffusion coefficient D is defined by means of the flux Γ by Γ = nvdiff = −D∇n. The equation
of continuity is ∂ t n + ∇(nvdiff ) = 0 ⇒ ∂t n = D∇2 n. One finds that D = 13 λv v. A rough estimate gives
τD = Lp /D = L2p τc /λ2v . For magnetized plasma’s λ v must be replaced with the cyclotron radius. In electrical
fields also holds J = neµE = e(ne µe + ni µi )E
 with µ = e/mνc the mobility of the particles. The Einstein
ratio is:
D kT
=
µ e
Because a plasma is electrically neutral electrons and ions are strongly coupled and they don’t diffuse inde-
pendent. The coefficient of ambipolar diffusion D amb is defined by Γ = Γi = Γe = −Damb ∇ne,i . From this
follows that
kTe /e − kTi /e kTe µi
Damb = ≈
1/µe − 1/µi e

In an external magnetic field B 0 particles will move in spiral orbits with cyclotron radius ρ = mv/eB 0
and with cyclotron frequency Ω = B 0 e/m. The helical orbit is perturbed by collisions. A plasma is called
magnetized if λv > ρe,i . So the electrons are magnetized if
√
ρe me e3 ne ln(ΛC )
= √ 2 <1
λee 6π 3ε0 (kTe )3/2 B0

Magnetization of only the electrons is sufficient to confine the plasma reasonable because they are coupled
to the ions by charge neutrality. In case of magnetic confinement holds: ∇p = J × B.  Combined with the
two stationary Maxwell equations for the B-field these form the ideal magneto-hydrodynamic equations. For
a uniform B-field holds: p = nkT = B 2 /2µ0 .

 =
If both magnetic and electric fields are present electrons and ions will move in the same direction. If E
    
Er er + Ez ez and B = Bz ez the E × B drift results in a velocity u = ( E × B )/B and the velocity in the
2

˙ (t).
r, ϕ plane is ṙ(r, ϕ, t) = u + ρ

11.3 Elastic collisions

11.3.1 General
The scattering angle of a particle in interaction with another
particle, as shown in the figure at the right is: b
❅
I
❘
❅
∞
dr
χ = π − 2b !
b2 W (r) ra
ra r2 1− − b ✻ ϕ χ
r2 E0 ❄
M
Particles with an impact parameter between b and b + db,
moving through a ring with dσ = 2πbdb leave the scattering
area at a solid angle dΩ = 2π sin(χ)dχ. The differential
cross section is then defined as:
 
 dσ  b ∂b
I(Ω) =   =
dΩ sin(χ) ∂χ

For a potential energy W (r) = kr −n follows: I(Ω, v) ∼ v −4/n .

For low energies, O(1 eV), σ has a Ramsauer minimum. It arises from the interference of matter waves behind
the object. I(Ω) for angles 0 < χ < λ/4 is larger than the classical value.
56 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

11.3.2 The Coulomb interaction

For the Coulomb interaction holds: 2b 0 = q1 q2 /2πε0 mv02 , so W (r) = 2b0 /r. This gives b = b0 cot( 12 χ) and

b ∂b b20
I(Ω = =
sin(χ) ∂χ 4 sin2 ( 12 χ)

Because the influence of a particle vanishes at r = λ D holds: σ = π(λ2D − b20 ). Because dp = d(mv) =
mv0 (1 − cos χ) a cross section related to momentum transfer σ m is given by:



1 λD ln(v 4 )
σm = (1 − cos χ)I(Ω)dΩ = 4πb20 ln = 4πb20 ln := 4πb20 ln(ΛC ) ∼
sin( 12 χmin ) b0 v4

where ln(ΛC ) is the Coulomb-logarithm. For this quantity holds: Λ C = λD /b0 = 9n(λD ).

11.3.3 The induced dipole interaction

The induced dipole interaction, with   gives a potential V and an energy W in a dipole field given by:
p = α E,

p · er |e|p αe2

V (r) = , W (r) = − = −
4πε0 r2 8πε0 r2 2(4πε0 )2 r4
! ∞
2e2 α dr
with ba = 4
holds: χ = π − 2b 
(4πε0 )2 12 mv02 b2 b4
ra r2 1− 2
+ a4
r 4r
If b ≥ ba the charge would hit the atom. Repulsing nuclear forces prevent this to happen. If the scattering
angle is a lot times 2π it is called capture. The cross section for capture σ orb = πb2a is called the Langevin
limit, and is a lowest estimate for the total cross section.

11.3.4 The centre of mass system

If collisions of two particles with masses m 1 and m2 which scatter in the centre of mass system by an angle χ
are compared with the scattering under an angle θ in the laboratory system holds:

m2 sin(χ)
tan(θ) =
m1 + m2 cos(χ)

The energy loss ∆E of the incoming particle is given by:

1 2
∆E 2 m2 v2 2m1 m2
= 1 2
= (1 − cos(χ))
E 2 m1 v1
(m1 + m2 )2

11.3.5 Scattering of light

Scattering of light by free electrons is called Thomson scattering. The scattering is free from collective effects
if kλD  1. The cross section σ = 6.65 · 10 −29 m2 and

∆f 2v
= sin( 12 χ)
f c

This gives for the scattered energy E scat ∼ nλ40 /(λ2 − λ20 )2 with n the density. If λ  λ 0 it is called Rayleigh
scattering. Thomson sccattering is a limit of Compton scattering, which is given by λ  − λ = λC (1 − cos χ)
with λC = h/mc and cannot be used any more if relativistic effects become important.
Chapter 11: Plasma physics 57

11.4 Thermodynamic equilibrium and reversibility

Planck’s radiation law and the Maxwellian velocity distribution hold for a plasma in equilibrium:


8πhν 3 1 2πn √ E
ρ(ν, T )dν = dν , N (E, T )dE = E exp − dE
c3 exp(hν/kT ) − 1 (πkT )3/2 kT

“Detailed balancing” means that the number of reactions in one direction equals the number of reactions in the
opposite direction because both processes have equal probability if one corrects for the used phase space. For
the reaction  
Xforward →
← Xback
forward back

holds in a plasma in equilibrium microscopic reversibility:

1 1
η̂forward = η̂back
forward back

If the velocity distribution is Maxwellian, this gives:

nx h3
η̂x = e−Ekin /kT
gx (2πmx kT )3/2

where g is the statistical weight of the state and n/g := η. For electrons holds g = 2, for excited states usually
holds g = 2j + 1 = 2n2 .
With this one finds for the Boltzmann balance, X p + e− →
← X1 + e− + (E1p ):


nB
p gp Ep − E1
= exp
n1 g1 kTe

And for the Saha balance, X p + e− + (Epi ) →

← X1 + 2e− :
+


nSp n+
1 ne h3 Epi
= + exp
gp g1 ge (2πme kTe )3/2 kTe

Because the number of particles on the left-hand side and right-hand side of the equation is different, a factor
g/Ve remains. This factor causes the Saha-jump.
From microscopic reversibility one can derive that for the rate coefficients K(p, q, T ) := σv pq holds:


gp ∆Epq
K(q, p, T ) = K(p, q, T ) exp
gq kT

11.5 Inelastic collisions

11.5.1 Types of collisions
The kinetic energy can be split in a part of and a part in the centre of mass system. The energy in the centre of
mass system is available for reactions. This energy is given by

m1 m2 (v1 − v2 )2
E=
2(m1 + m2 )

Some types of inelastic collisions important for plasma physics are:

1. Excitation: Ap + e− →
← Aq + e−
2. Decay: Aq →
← Ap + hf
58 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

3. Ionisation and 3-particles recombination: A p + e− →

← A+ + 2e−
4. radiative recombination: A + + e− →
← Ap + hf
5. Stimulated emission: Aq + hf → Ap + 2hf
6. Associative ionisation: A∗∗ + B →
← AB+ + e−
7. Penning ionisation: b.v. Ne ∗ + Ar →
← Ar+ + Ne + e−
8. Charge transfer: A + + B →
← A + B+
9. Resonant charge transfer: A + + A →
← A + A+

11.5.2 Cross sections

Collisions between an electron and an atom can be approximated by a collision between an electron and one
of the electrons of that atom. This results in
dσ πZ 2 e4
=
d(∆E) (4πε0 )2 E(∆E)2

πZ 2 e4 ∆Eq,q+1
Then follows for the transition p → q: σ pq (E) =
(4πε0 )2 E(∆E)2pq



1 1 1.25βE
For ionization from state p holds to a good approximation: σ p = 4πa20 Ry − ln
Ep E Ep
A[1 − B ln(E)]2
For resonant charge transfer holds: σ ex =
1 + CE 3.3

11.6 Radiation
In equilibrium holds for radiation processes:

np Apq + np Bpq ρ(ν, T ) = nq Bqp ρ(ν, T )

* +, - * +, - * +, -
emission stimulated emission absorption

Here, Apq is the matrix element of the transition p → q, and is given by:

8π 2 e2 ν 3 |rpq |2
Apq = with rpq = ψp |r |ψq 
3h̄ε0 c3

For hydrogenic atoms holds: A p = 1.58 · 108 Z 4 p−4.5 , with Ap = 1/τp = Apq . The intensity I of a line is
q
given by Ipq = hf Apq np /4π. The Einstein coefficients B are given by:

c3 Apq Bpq gq
Bpq = and =
8πhν 3 Bqp gp

A spectral line is broadened by several mechanisms:


1. Because the states have a finite life time. The natural life time of a state p is given by τ p = 1/ Apq .
q
From the uncertainty relation then follows: ∆(hν) · τ p = 12 h̄, this gives

Apq
1 q
∆ν = =
4πτp 4π

The natural line width is usually  than the broadening due to the following two mechanisms:
Chapter 11: Plasma physics 59

2. The Doppler broadening is caused by the thermal motion of the particles:

!
∆λ 2 2 ln(2)kTi
=
λ c mi

This broadening results

√ in a Gaussian line profile:
kν = k0 exp(−[2 ln 2(ν − ν0 )/∆νD ]2 ), with k the coefficient of absorption or emission.

3. The Stark broadening is caused by the electric field of the electrons:

 2/3
ne
∆λ1/2 =
C(ne , Te )

with for the H-β line: C(n e , Te ) ≈ 3 · 1014 Å−3/2 cm−3 .

The natural broadening and the Stark broadening result in a Lorentz profile of a spectral line:
kν = 12 k0 ∆νL /[( 21 ∆νL )2 + (ν − ν0 )2 ]. The total line shape is a convolution of the Gauss- and Lorentz profile
and is called a Voigt profile.
The number of transitions p → q is given by n p Bpq ρ and by np nhf σa c = np (ρdν/hν)σa c where dν is the
line width. Then follows for the cross section of absorption processes: σ a = Bpq hν/cdν.
The background radiation in a plasma originates from two processes:

1. Free-Bound radiation, originating from radiative recombination. The emission is given by:


C1 zi ni ne hc
εf b = 2 √ 1 − exp − ξf b (λ, Te )
λ kTe λkTe

with C1 = 1.63 · 10−43 Wm4 K1/2 sr−1 and ξ the Biberman factor.

2. Free-free radiation, originating from the acceleration of particles in the EM-field of other particles:


C1 zi ni ne hc
εf f = 2 √ exp − ξf f (λ, Te )
λ kTe λkTe

11.7 The Boltzmann transport equation

It is assumed that there exists a distribution function F for the plasma so that

F (r, v , t) = Fr (r, t) · Fv (v , t) = F1 (x, t)F2 (y, t)F3 (z, t)F4 (vx , t)F5 (vy , t)F6 (vz , t)


dF ∂F ∂F
Then the BTE is: = + ∇r · (Fv ) + ∇v · (Fa ) =
dt ∂t ∂t coll−rad
Assuming that v does not depend on r and a i does not depend on v i , holds ∇r ·(Fv ) = v ·∇F and ∇v ·(Fa ) =
a · ∇v F . This is also true in magnetic fields because ∂a i /∂xi = "0. The velocity
" is separated in a thermal
velocity vt and a drift velocity w.
 The total density is given by n = F dv and v F dv = nw. 
The balance equations can be derived by means of the moment method:


∂n ∂n
1. Mass balance: (BTE)dv ⇒ + ∇ · (nw)
 =
∂t ∂t cr

dw
2. Momentum balance: (BTE)mv dv ⇒ mn + ∇T + ∇p = mn a  + R

dt

3 dp 5
3. Energy balance: (BTE)mv 2 dv ⇒ + p∇ · w  + ∇ · q = Q
2 dt 2
60 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

. /
 +w
Here, a  = e/m(E  ×B  ) is the average acceleration, q = 1 nm v 2vt the heat flow,

 2 t
mvt2 ∂F  is a friction term and p = nkT the
Q = dv the source term for energy production, R
r ∂t cr
pressure.
 e2 (ne + zi ni )
A thermodynamic derivation gives for the total pressure: p = nkT = pi −
i
24πε0 λD
For the electrical conductance in a plasma follows from the momentum balance, if w e  wi :

J × B
 + ∇pe
η J = E
−
ene
In a plasma where only elastic e-a collisions are important the equilibrium energy distribution function is the
Druyvesteyn distribution:

3/2 
2
E 3me E
N (E)dE = Cne exp − dE
E0 m0 E0

with E0 = eEλv = eE/nσ.

11.8 Collision-radiative models

These models are first-moment equations for excited states. One assumes the Quasi-steady-state solution is
valid, where ∀p>1 [(∂np /∂t = 0) ∧ (∇ · (np w
 p ) = 0)]. This results in:




∂np>1 ∂n1 ∂n1 ∂ni ∂ni
=0 , + ∇ · (n1 w 1) = , + ∇ · (ni w
 i) =
∂t cr ∂t ∂t cr ∂t ∂t cr

p = bp np . Further holds for all collision-dominated levels that δb p := bp −1 =

with solutions np = rp0 nSp +rp1 nB S

b0 p−x
eff with peff = Ry/Epi and 5 ≤ x ≤ 6. For systems in ESP, where only collisional (de)excitation
between levels p and p ± 1 is taken into account holds x = 6. Even in plasma’s far from equilibrium the
excited levels will eventually reach ESP, so from a certain level up the level densities can be calculated.
To find the population densities of the lower levels in the stationary case one has to start with a macroscopic
equilibrium:

Number of populating processes of level p = Number of depopulating processes of level p ,

When this is expanded it becomes:

  
ne nq Kqp + ne nq Kqp + nq Aqp + n2e ni K+p + ne ni αrad =
* +, - * +, -
q<p q>p q>p
* +, - * +, - * +, - coll. recomb. rad. recomb
coll. excit. coll. deexcit. rad. deex. to
  
ne np Kpq + ne np Kpq + np Apq + ne np Kp+
q<p q>p q<p
* +, -
* +, - * +, - * +, - coll. ion.
coll. deexcit. coll. excit. rad. deex. from

11.9 Waves in plasma’s

Interaction of electromagnetic waves in plasma’s results in scattering and absorption of energy. For electro-
magnetic waves with complex wave number k = ω(n + iκ)/c in one dimension one finds:
Ex = E0 e−κωx/c cos[ω(t − nx/c)]. The refractive index n is given by:

k c ωp2
n=c = = 1− 2
ω vf ω
Chapter 11: Plasma physics 61

 i(kz−ωt)
 = B0ez + B̂e
For disturbances in the z-direction in a cold, homogeneous, magnetized plasma: B and
n = n0 + n̂ei(kz−ωt) (external E fields are screened) follows, with the definitions α = ω p /ω and β = Ω/ω
and ωp2 = ωpi
2
+ ωpe2
:
 1 −iβs 
0
  1 − βs2 1 − βs2 
 
J =   , with  α2s 
0 
σ E σ = iε0 ω iβs 1
 
s 1 − βs2 1 − βs2
0 0 1

where the sum is taken over particle species s. The dielectric tensor E, with property:

k · (E · E)
 =0

 
is given by E = I − 
σ /iε0 ω.
 α2s  α2 βs 
With the definitions S = 1 − , D= s
, P =1− α2s
s
1 − βs2
s
1 − β 2
s s

follows:  
S −iD 0
 
E= iD S 0 
0 0 P
The
√ eigenvalues of this√ hermitian matrix are R = S + D, L = S − D, λ 3 = P , with eigenvectors e r =
2 2(1, −i, 0) and 
1 1
2 2(1, i, 0), 
e l = e3 = (0, 0, 1). er is connected with a right rotating field for which
iEx /Ey = 1 and el is connected with a left rotating field for which iE x /Ey = −1. When k makes an angle θ
 one finds:
with B
P (n2 − R)(n2 − L)
tan2 (θ) =
S(n2 − RL/S)(n2 − P )
where n is the refractive index. From this the following solutions can be obtained:
A. θ = 0: transmission in the z-direction.
1. P = 0: Ex = Ey = 0. This describes a longitudinal linear polarized wave.
2. n2 = L: a left, circular polarized wave.
3. n2 = R: a right, circular polarized wave.
B. θ = π/2: transmission ⊥ the B-field.
1. n2 = P : the ordinary mode: E x = Ey = 0. This is a transversal linear polarized wave.
2. n2 = RL/S: the extraordinary mode: iE x /Ey = −D/S, an elliptical polarized wave.
Resonance frequencies are frequencies for which n 2 → ∞, so vf = 0. For these holds: tan(θ) = −P/S.
For R → ∞ this gives the electron cyclotron resonance frequency ω = Ω e , for L → ∞ the ion cyclotron
resonance frequency ω = Ω i and for S = 0 holds for the extraordinary mode:




mi Ω2i m2i Ω2i Ω2i
α2 1 − = 1 − 1 −
me ω 2 m2e ω 2 ω2

Cut-off frequencies are frequencies for which n 2 = 0, so vf → ∞. For these holds: P = 0 or R = 0 or L = 0.

In the case that β 2  1 one finds Alfvén waves propagating parallel to the field lines. With the Alfvén velocity
Ωe Ωi 2
vA = 2 2 c
ωpe + ωpi

follows: n = 1 + c/vA , and in case vA  c: ω = kvA .
Chapter 12

Solid state physics

12.1 Crystal structure

A lattice is defined by the 3 translation vectors a i , so that the atomic composition looks the same from each
point r and r  = r + T , where T is a translation vector given by: T = u1a1 + u2a2 + u3a3 with ui ∈ IN . A
lattice can be constructed from primitive cells. As a primitive cell one can take a parallellepiped, with volume
Vcell = |a1 · (a2 × a3 )|
Because a lattice has a periodical structure the physical properties which are connected with the lattice have
the same periodicity (neglecting boundary effects):
ne (r + T ) = ne (r )
This periodicity is suitable to use Fourier analysis: n(r ) is expanded as:

n(r ) = nG exp(iG  · r )
G

with 
1  · r )dV
nG = n(r ) exp(−iG
Vcell
cell
 is the reciprocal lattice vector. If G
G  is written as G = v1b1 + v2b2 + v3b3 with vi ∈ IN , it follows for the
vectors bi , cyclically:
bi = 2π ai+1 × ai+2
ai · (ai+1 × ai+2 )

The set of G-vectors determines the Röntgen diffractions: a maximum in the reflected radiation occurs if:
∆k = G with ∆k = k − k  . So: 2k · G
   = G2 . From this follows for parallel lattice planes (Bragg reflection)
that for the maxima holds: 2d sin(θ) = nλ.
The Brillouin zone is defined as a Wigner-Seitz cell in the reciprocal lattice.

12.2 Crystal binding

A distinction can be made between 4 binding types:
1. Van der Waals bond
2. Ion bond
3. Covalent or homopolar bond
4. Metalic bond.
For the ion binding of NaCl the energy per molecule is calculated by:
E = cohesive energy(NaCl) – ionization energy(Na) + electron affinity(Cl)
The interaction in a covalent bond depends on the relative spin orientations of the electrons constituing the
bond. The potential energy for two parallel spins is higher than the potential energy for two antiparallel spins.
Furthermore the potential energy for two parallel spins has sometimes no minimum. In that case binding is not
possible.
Chapter 12: Solid state physics 63

12.3 Crystal vibrations

12.3.1 A lattice with one type of atoms
In this model for crystal vibrations only nearest-neighbour interactions are taken into account. The force on
atom s with mass M can then be written as:

d2 us
Fs = M = C(us+1 − us ) + C(us−1 − us )
dt2

Assuming that all solutions have the same time-dependence exp(−iωt) this results in:

−M ω 2 us = C(us+1 + us−1 − 2us )

Further it is postulated that: u s±1 = u exp(isKa) exp(±iKa).

This gives: us = exp(iKsa). Substituting the later two equations in the fist results in a system of linear
equations, which has only a solution if their determinant is 0. This gives:

4C
ω2 = sin2 ( 12 Ka)
M
Only vibrations with a wavelength within the first Brillouin Zone have a physical significance. This requires
that −π < Ka ≤ π.

The group velocity of these vibrations is given by:


dω Ca2
vg = = cos( 12 Ka) .
dK M

and is 0 on the edge of a Brillouin Zone. Here, there is a standing wave.

12.3.2 A lattice with two types of atoms

Now the solutions are: ω
! ✻


2
1 1 1 1 4 sin2 (Ka) 
2
ω =C + ±C + − 2C
M1 M2 M1 M2 M1 M2 M2

Connected with each value of K are two values of ω, as can be 2C
M1
seen in the graph. The upper line describes the optical branch,
the lower line the acoustical branch. In the optical branch,
both types of ions oscillate in opposite phases, in the acoustical ✲ K
branch they oscillate in the same phase. This results in a much 0 π/a
larger induced dipole moment for optical oscillations, and also a
stronger emission and absorption of radiation. Furthermore each
branch has 3 polarization directions, one longitudinal and two
transversal.

12.3.3 Phonons
The quantum mechanical excitation of a crystal vibration with an energy h̄ω is called a phonon. Phonons
can be viewed as quasi-particles: with collisions, they behave as particles with momentum h̄K. Their total
momentum is 0. When they collide, their momentum need not be conserved: for a normal process holds:
K1 + K2 = K3 , for an umklapp process holds: K 1 + K2 = K3 + G. Because phonons have no spin they
behave like bosons.
64 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

12.3.4 Thermal heat capacity

The total energy of the crystal vibrations can be calculated by multiplying each mode with its energy and sum
over all branches K and polarizations P :
  h̄ω
U= h̄ω nk,p  = Dλ (ω) dω
exp(h̄ω/kT ) − 1
K P λ

for a given polarization λ. The thermal heat capacity is then:

∂U  (h̄ω/kT )2 exp(h̄ω/kT )
Clattice = =k D(ω) dω
∂T (exp(h̄ω/kT ) − 1)2
λ

The dispersion relation in one dimension is given by:

L dK L dω
D(ω)dω = dω =
π dω π vg

In three dimensions one applies periodic boundary conditions to a cube with N 3 primitive cells and a volume
L3 : exp(i(Kx x + Ky y + Kz z)) ≡ exp(i(Kx (x + L) + Ky (y + L) + Kz (z + L))).
Because exp(2πi) = 1 this is only possible if:
2π 4π 6π 2N π
Kx , Ky , Kz = 0; ± ; ± ; ± ; ... ±
L L L L
 per volume (2π/L) 3 in K-space, or:
So there is only one allowed value of K

3
L V
=
2π 8π 3

allowed K-values 
per unit volume in K-space, for each polarization and each branch. The total number of
states with a wave vector < K is:
3
L 4πK 3
N=
2π 3
for each polarization. The density of states for each polarization is, according to the Einstein model:

 
dN V K 2 dK V dAω
D(ω) = = =
dω 2π 2 dω 8π 3 vg
The Debye model for thermal heat capacities is a low-temperature approximation which is valid up to ≈ 50K.
Here, only the acoustic phonons are taken into account (3 polarizations), and one assumes that v = ωK,
independent of the polarization. From this follows: D(ω) = V ω 2 /2π 2 v 3 , where v is the speed of sound. This
gives:
 ωD xD 3
V ω2 h̄ω 3V k 2 T 4 x dx
U = 3 D(ω) n h̄ωdω = dω = .
2π 2 v 3 exp(h̄ω/kT ) − 1 2 3
2π v h̄ 3 e x −1
0 0

Here, xD = h̄ωD /kT = θD /T . θD is the Debye temperature and is defined by:

1/3
h̄v 6π 2 N
θD =
k V
where N is the number of primitive cells. Because x D → ∞ for T → 0 it follows from this:

3 ∞
T x3 dx 3π 4 N kT 4 12π 4 N kT 3
U = 9N kT = ∼ T 4 and CV = ∼ T3
θD e −1
x 5θD 5θD 3
0

In the Einstein model for the thermal heat capacity one considers only phonons at one frequency, an approxi-
mation for optical phonons.
Chapter 12: Solid state physics 65

12.4 Magnetic field in the solid state

The following graph shows the magnetization versus fieldstrength for different types of magnetism:
M ✻
Msat
ferro
∂M
χm =
∂H paramagnetism

0 ❤❤❤❤ ✲ H
❤❤❤
❤❤diamagnetism
❤❤ ❤

12.4.1 Dielectrics
The quantum mechanical origin of diamagnetism is the Larmorprecession of the spin of the electron. Starting
with a circular electron orbit in an atom with two electrons, there is a Coulomb force F c and a magnetic force
on each electron. If the magnetic part of the force is not strong enough to significantly deform the orbit holds:
!
2
Fc (r) eB eB eB eB
2
ω = ± ω = ω0 ±2
(ω0 + δ) ⇒ ω = ω0 ± + · · · ≈ ω0 ± = ω0 ± ωL
mr m m 2m 2m

Here, ωL is the Larmor frequency. One electron is accelerated, the other decelerated. Hence there is a net
. / results .in a/magnetic moment µ. The circular current is given by I = −Zeω L /2π, and
circular current which
µ = IA = Iπ ρ2 = 23 Iπ r2 . If N is the number of atoms in the crystal it follows for the susceptibility,
with M = µN :
µ0 M µ0 N Ze2 . 2 /
χ= =− r
B 6m

12.4.2 Paramagnetism
Starting with the splitting of energy levels in a weak magnetic field: ∆U m − µ · B = mJ gµB B, and with a
 
distribution fm ∼ exp(−∆U m /kT ), one
 finds for the average
 2 magnetic moment µ = fm µ/ fm . After
linearization and because mJ = 0, J = 2J + 1 and mJ = 23 J(J + 1)(J + 12 ) it follows that:

µ0 M µ0 N µ µ0 J(J + 1)g 2 µ2B N

χp = = =
B B 3kT
This is the Curie law, χp ∼ 1/T .

12.4.3 Ferromagnetism
A ferromagnet behaves like a paramagnet above a critical temperature T c . To describe ferromagnetism a field
 E = λµ0 M
BE parallel with M is postulated: B  . From there the treatment is analogous to the paramagnetic
case:

C
µ0 M = χp (Ba + BE ) = χp (Ba + λµ0 M ) = µ0 1 − λ M
T
µ0 M C
From this follows for a ferromagnet: χ F = = which is Weiss-Curie’s law.
Ba T − Tc
If BE is estimated this way it results in values of about 1000 T. This is clearly unrealistic and suggests another
mechanism. A quantum mechanical approach from Heisenberg postulates an interaction between two neigh-
bouring atoms: U = −2J S i · Sj ≡ − µ·B E . J is an overlap integral given by: J = 3kT c /2zS(S + 1), with
z the number of neighbours. A distinction between 2 cases can now be made:

1. J > 0: Si and Sj become parallel: the material is a ferromagnet.

66 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

2. J < 0: Si and Sj become antiparallel: the material is an antiferromagnet.

Heisenberg’s theory predicts quantized spin waves: magnons. Starting from a model with only nearest neigh-
bouring atoms interacting one can write:

U = −2J S p−1 + S
p · (S p+1 ) ≈ µp · B  p = −2J (S
 p with B p−1 + S
 p+1 )
gµB


dS 2J 
The equation of motion for the magnons becomes: = p−1 + S
Sp × (S  p+1 )
dt h̄
p = u exp(i(pka −
From here the treatment is analogous to phonons: postulate traveling waves of the type S
ωt)). This results in a system of linear equations with solution:

h̄ω = 4JS(1 − cos(ka))

12.5 Free electron Fermi gas

12.5.1 Thermal heat capacity
The solution with period L of the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation is: ψ n (x) = A sin(2πx/λn) with
nλn = 2L. From this follows
h̄2  nπ 2
E=
2m L
In a linear lattice the only important quantum numbers are n and m s . The Fermi level is the uppermost filled
level in the ground state, which has the Fermi-energy E F . If nF is the quantum number of the Fermi level, it
can be expressed as: 2n F = N so EF = h̄2 π 2 N 2 /8mL. In 3 dimensions holds:

1/3
2/3
3π 2 N h̄2 3π 2 N
kF = and EF =
V 2m V

3/2
V 2mE
The number of states with energy ≤ E is then: N = .
3π 2 h̄2

3/2
dN V 2m √ 3N
and the density of states becomes: D(E) = = 2 2 E= .
dE 2π h̄ 2E
The heat capacity of the electrons is approximately 0.01 times the classical expected value 32 N k. This is caused
by the Pauli exclusion principle and the Fermi-Dirac distribution: only electrons within an energy range ∼ kT
of the Fermi level are excited thermally. There is a fraction ≈ T /T F excited thermally. The internal energy
then becomes:
T ∂U T
U ≈ N kT and C = ≈ Nk
TF ∂T TF
A more accurate analysis gives: C electrons = 12 π 2 N kT /TF ∼ T . Together with the T 3 dependence of the
thermal heat capacity of the phonons the total thermal heat capacity of metals is described by: C = γT + AT 3 .

12.5.2 Electric conductance

The equation of motion for the charge carriers is: F = mdv /dt = h̄dk/dt. The variation of k is given by
δk = k(t) − k(0) = −eEt/h̄.
 If τ is the characteristic collision time of the electrons, δ k remains stable if
 with µ = eτ /m the mobility of the electrons.
t = τ . Then holds: v  = µ E,
The current in a conductor is given by: J = nqv = σ E  = E/ρ
 = neµE. Because for the collision time holds:
1/τ = 1/τL + 1/τi , where τL is the collision time with the lattice phonons and τ i the collision time with the
impurities follows for the resistivity ρ = ρ L + ρi , with lim ρL = 0.
T →0
Chapter 12: Solid state physics 67

12.5.3 The Hall-effect

If a magnetic field is applied ⊥ to the direction of the current the charge carriers will be pushed aside by the
Lorentz force. This results in a magnetic field ⊥ to the flow direction of the current. If J = Jex and B
 = Bez
than Ey /Ex = µB. The Hall coefficient is defined by: R H = Ey /Jx B, and RH = −1/ne if Jx = neµEx .
The Hall voltage is given by: V H = Bvb = IB/neh where b is the width of the material and h de height.

12.5.4 Thermal heat conductivity

With 5 = vF τ the mean free path of the electrons follows from κ = 13 C v 5: κelectrons = π 2 nk 2 T τ /3m.
From this follows for the Wiedemann-Franz ratio: κ/σ = 13 (πk/e)2 T .

12.6 Energy bands

In the tight-bond approximation it is assumed that ψ = e ikna φ(x − na). From this follows for the energy:
E = ψ|H|ψ = Eat − α − 2β cos(ka). So this gives a cosine superimposed on the atomic energy, which
can often be approximated by a harmonic oscillator. If it is assumed that the electron is nearly free one can
postulate: ψ = exp(ik · r ). This is a traveling wave. This wave can be decomposed into two standing waves:

ψ(+) = exp(iπx/a) + exp(−iπx/a) = 2 cos(πx/a)

ψ(−) = exp(iπx/a) − exp(−iπx/a) = 2i sin(πx/a)

The probability density |ψ(+)| 2 is high near the atoms of the lattice and low in between. The probability
density |ψ(−)|2 is low near the atoms of the lattice and high in between. Hence the energy of ψ(+) is also
lower than the energy of ψ)(−). Suppose that U (x) = U cos(2πx/a), than the bandgap is given by:

1
& '
Egap = U (x) |ψ(+)|2 − |ψ(−)|2 dx = U
0

12.7 Semiconductors
The band structures and the transitions between them of direct and indirect semiconductors are shown in
the figures below. Here it is assumed that the momentum of the absorbed photon can be neglected. For an
indirect semiconductor a transition from the valence- to the conduction band is also possible if the energy of
the absorbed photon is smaller than the band gap: then, also a phonon is absorbed.

E conduction E
✻ band ✻
•
✻ •✛
✞✆ ✞✻
✝ωg Ω ✝ω
✞✆ ✞✆
✝ ✝
◦ ◦

Direct transition Indirect transition

This difference can also be observed in the absorption spectra:

68 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

absorption absorption
✻ ✻

.
.....
..
...
.
✡. .
✡ ....
✲E ✡ .. ✲ E
h̄ωg Eg + h̄Ω
Direct semiconductor Indirect semiconductor

So indirect semiconductors, like Si and Ge, cannot emit any light and are therefore not usable to fabricate
lasers. When light is absorbed holds: kh = −ke , Eh (kh ) = −Ee (ke ), vh = ve and mh = −m∗e if the
conduction band and the valence band have the same structure.
Instead of the normal electron mass one has to use the effective mass within a lattice. It is defined by:

2 −1
∗ F dp/dt dK 2 d E
m = = = h̄ = h̄
a dvg /dt dvg dk 2
with E = h̄ω and vg = dω/dk and p = h̄k.
With the distribution function f e (E) ≈ exp((µ − E)/kT ) for the electrons and f h (E) = 1 − fe (E) for the
holes the density of states is given by:

3/2 
1 2m∗
D(E) = E − Ec
2π 2 h̄2
with Ec the energy at the edge of the conductance band. From this follows for the concentrations of the holes
p and the electrons n:
∞
3/2

m∗ kT µ − Ec
n= De (E)fe (E)dE = 2 exp
2πh̄2 kT
Ec

3

kT  E
For the product np follows: np = 4 m ∗ m exp − g
e h
2πh̄2 kT
For an intrinsic (no impurities) semiconductor holds: n i = pi , for a n − type holds: n > p and in a p − type
holds: n < p.
An exciton is a bound electron-hole pair, rotating on each other as in positronium. The excitation energy of an
exciton is smaller than the bandgap because the energy of an exciton is lower than the energy of a free electron
and a free hole. This causes a peak in the absorption just under E g .

12.8 Superconductivity
12.8.1 Description
A superconductor is characterized by a zero resistivity if certain quantities are smaller than some critical values:
T < Tc , I < Ic and H < Hc . The BCS-model predicts for the transition temperature T c :


−1
Tc = 1.14ΘD exp
U D(EF )
while experiments find for H c approximately:


T2
Hc (T ) ≈ Hc (Tc ) 1 − 2 .
Tc
Chapter 12: Solid state physics 69

Within a superconductor the magnetic field is 0: the Meissner effect.

There are type I and type II superconductors. Because the Meissner effect implies that a superconductor is a
perfect diamagnet holds in the superconducting state: H  = µ0 M  . This holds for a type I superconductor, for
a type II superconductor this only holds to a certain value H c1 , for higher values of H the superconductor is in
a vortex state to a value H c2 , which can be 100 times H c1 . If H becomes larger than H c2 the superconductor
becomes a normal conductor. This is shown in the figures below.

µ0 M µ0 M
✻ ✻

··
··
··
··
··
··
··
✲H · ✲ H
Hc Hc1 Hc2
Type I Type II

The transition to a superconducting state is a second order thermodynamic state transition. This means that
there is a twist in the T − S diagram and a discontinuity in the C X − T diagram.

12.8.2 The Josephson effect

For the Josephson effect one considers two superconductors, separated by an insulator. The electron wave-
function in one superconductor is ψ 1 , in the other ψ 2 . The Schrödinger equations in both superconductors is
set equal:
∂ψ1 ∂ψ2
ih̄ = h̄T ψ2 , ih̄ = h̄T ψ1
∂t ∂t
h̄T is the effect of the coupling of the electrons, or the transfer interaction through the insulator. The electron
√ √
√ as ψ 1 = n1 exp(iθ1 ) and ψ2 = n2 exp(iθ2 ). Because a Cooper pair exist of two
wavefunctions are written
electrons holds: ψ ∼ n. From this follows, if n 1 ≈ n2 :

∂θ1 ∂θ2 ∂n2 ∂n1

= and =−
∂t ∂t ∂t ∂t
The Josephson effect results in a current density through the insulator depending on the phase difference as:
J = J0 sin(θ2 − θ1 ) = J0 sin(δ), where J0 ∼ T . With an AC-voltage across the junction the Schrödinger
equations become:
∂ψ1 ∂ψ2
ih̄ = h̄T ψ2 − eV ψ1 and ih̄ = h̄T ψ1 + eV ψ2
∂t ∂t


2eV t
This gives: J = J0 sin θ2 − θ1 − .
h̄
Hence there is an oscillation with ω = 2eV /h̄.

12.8.3 Flux quantisation in a superconducting ring

nq 
For the current density in general holds: J = qψ ∗v ψ = ]
[h̄∇θ − q A
m
0
From the Meissner effect, B  = 0 and J = 0, follows: h̄∇θ
 = qA  ⇒ ∇θdl = θ2 − θ1 = 2πs with s ∈ IN .
0 "" ""
Because: Adl  = (rotA,  n )dσ = (B,  n )dσ = Ψ follows: Ψ = 2πh̄s/q. The size of a flux quantum
follows by setting s = 1: Ψ = 2πh̄/e = 2.0678 · 10 −15 Tm2 .
70 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

12.8.4 Macroscopic quantum interference

2eΨ
From θ2 − θ1 = 2eΨ/h̄ follows for two parallel junctions: δ b − δa = , so
h̄



eΨ
J = Ja + Jb = 2J0 sin δ0 cos This gives maxima if eΨ/h̄ = sπ.
h̄

12.8.5 The London equation

 is postulated:
A current density in a superconductor proportional to the vector potential A

−A −B
J = 2 or rotJ =
µ0 λL µ0 λ2L

where λL =  = B/λ
ε0 mc2 /nq 2 . From this follows: ∇2 B  2.
L


The Meissner effect is the solution of this equation: B(x) = B0 exp(−x/λL ). Magnetic fields within a
superconductor drop exponentially.

12.8.6 The BCS model

The BCS model can explain superconductivity in metals. (So far there is no explanation for high-T c supercon-
ductance).
A new ground state where the electrons behave like independent fermions is postulated. Because of the in-
teraction with the lattice these pseudo-particles exhibit a mutual attraction. This causes two electrons with
opposite spin to combine to a Cooper pair. It can be proved that this ground state is perfect diamagnetic.
The infinite conductivity is more difficult to explain because a ring with a persisting current is not a real
equilibrium: a state with zero current has a lower energy. Flux quantization prevents transitions between these
states. Flux quantization is related to the existence of a coherent many-particle wavefunction. A flux quantum
is the equivalent of about 10 4 electrons. So if the flux has to change with one flux quantum there has to occur
a transition of many electrons, which is very improbable, or the system must go through intermediary states
where the flux is not quantized so they have a higher energy. This is also very improbable.
Some useful mathematical relations are:
∞ ∞ ∞
xdx π2 x2 dx π2 x3 dx π4
ax
= , = , =
e +1 12a2 x
(e + 1) 2 3 x
e +1 15
0 −∞ 0

∞
 ∞ ∞
n 1 1
And, when (−1) = 2 follows: sin(px)dx = cos(px)dx = .
n=0
p
0 0
Chapter 13

Theory of groups

13.1 Introduction
13.1.1 Definition of a group
G is a group for the operation • if:

1. ∀A,B∈G ⇒ A • B ∈ G: G is closed.

2. ∀A,B,C∈G ⇒ (A • B) • C = A • (B • C): G obeys the associative law.

3. ∃E∈G so that ∀A∈G A • E = E • A = A: G has a unit element.

4. ∀A∈G ∃A−1 ∈G so that A • A−1 = E: Each element in G has an inverse.

If also holds:
5. ∀A,B∈G ⇒ A • B = B • A the group is called Abelian or commutative.

13.1.2 The Cayley table

Each element arises only once in each row and column of the Cayley- or multiplication table: because EA i =
A−1
k (Ak Ai ) = Ai each Ai appears once. There are h positions in each row and column when there are h
elements in the group so each element appears only once.

13.1.3 Conjugated elements, subgroups and classes

B is conjugate to A if ∃ X∈G such that B = XAX −1 . Then A is also conjugate to B because B =
(X −1 )A(X −1 )−1 .
If B and C are conjugate to A, B is also conjugate with C.

A subgroup is a subset of G which is also a group w.r.t. the same operation.

A conjugacy class is the maximum collection of conjugated elements. Each group can be split up in conjugacy
classes. Some theorems:

• All classes are completely disjoint.

• E is a class itself: for each other element in this class would hold: A = XEX −1 = E.

• E is the only class which is also a subgroup because all other classes have no unit element.

• In an Abelian group each element is a separate class.

The physical interpretation of classes: elements of a group are usually symmetry operations which map a
symmetrical object into itself. Elements of one class are then the same kind of operations. The opposite need
not to be true.
72 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

13.1.4 Isomorfism and homomorfism; representations

Two groups are isomorphic if they have the same multiplication table. The mapping from group G 1 to G2 , so
that the multiplication table remains the same is a homomorphic mapping. It need not be isomorphic.
A representation is a homomorphic mapping of a group to a group of square matrices with the usual matrix
multiplication as the combining operation. This is symbolized by Γ. The following holds:
Γ(E) = II , Γ(AB) = Γ(A)Γ(B) , Γ(A−1 ) = [Γ(A)]−1
For each group there are 3 possibilities for a representation:
1. A faithful representation: all matrices are different.
2. The representation A → det(Γ(A)).
3. The identical representation: A → 1.
An equivalent representation is obtained by performing an unitary base transformation: Γ  (A) = S −1 Γ(A)S.

13.1.5 Reducible and irreducible representations

If the same unitary transformation can bring all matrices of a representation Γ in the same block structure the
representation is called reducible:

(1) 
Γ (A) 0
Γ(A) =
0 Γ(2) (A)

This is written as: Γ = Γ(1) ⊕ Γ(2) . If this is not possible the representation is called irreducible.
The number of irreducible representations equals the number of conjugacy classes.

13.2 The fundamental orthogonality theorem

13.2.1 Schur’s lemma
Lemma: Each matrix which commutes with all matrices of an irreducible representation is a constant ×II,
where II is the unit matrix. The opposite is (of course) also true.
Lemma: If there exists a matrix M so that for two irreducible representations of group G, γ (1) (Ai ) and
γ (2) (Ai ), holds: M γ (1) (Ai ) = γ (2) (Ai )M , than the representations are equivalent, or M = 0.

13.2.2 The fundamental orthogonality theorem

For a set of unequivalent, irreducible, unitary representations holds that, if h is the number of elements in the
group and 5 i is the dimension of the i th
¯ representation:
 (j) h
(i)∗
Γµν (R)Γαβ (R) = δij δµα δνβ
5i
R∈G

13.2.3 Character
The character of a representation is given by the trace of the matrix and is therefore invariant for base trans-
formations: χ(j) (R) = Tr(Γ(j) (R))

Also holds, with Nk the number of elements in a conjugacy class: χ(i)∗ (Ck )χ(j) (Ck )Nk = hδij
k


n
Theorem: 52i = h
i=1
Chapter 13: Theory of groups 73

13.3 The relation with quantum mechanics

13.3.1 Representations, energy levels and degeneracy
Consider a set of symmetry transformations x  = Rx which leave the Hamiltonian H invariant. These trans-
formations are a group. An isomorfic operation on the wavefunction is given by: P R ψ(x ) = ψ(R−1 x ). This
is considered an active rotation. These operators commute with H: P R H = HPR , and leave the volume
element unchanged: d(Rx ) = dx.
PR is the symmetry group of the physical system. It causes degeneracy: if ψ n is a solution of Hψn = En ψn
than also holds: H(PR ψn ) = En (PR ψn ). A degeneracy which is not the result of a symmetry is called an
accidental degeneracy.
(n)
Assume an 5n -fold degeneracy at E n : then choose an orthonormal set ψ ν , ν = 1, 2, . . . , 5n . The function
(n)
!n
PR ψν is in the same subspace: PR ψν(n) = ψκ(n) Γ(n)
κν (R)
κ=1

where Γ is an irreducible, unitary representation of the symmetry group G of the system. Each n corre-
(n)

sponds with another energy level. One can purely mathematical derive irreducible representations of a sym-
metry group and label the energy levels with a quantum number this way. A fixed choice of Γ (n) (R) defines
(n)
the base functions ψ ν . This way one can also label each separate base function with a quantum number.
Particle in a periodical potential: the symmetry operation is a cyclic group: note the operator describing one
translation over one unit as A. Then: G = {A, A 2 , A3 , . . . , Ah = E}.
The group is Abelian so all irreducible representations are one-dimensional. For 0 ≤ p ≤ h − 1 follows:
Γ(p) (An ) = e2πipn/h


2πp 2π
If one defines: k = − mod , so: PA ψp (x) = ψp (x − a) = e2πip/h ψp (x), this gives Bloch’s
ah a
theorem: ψk (x) = uk (x)eikx , with uk (x ± a) = uk (x).

13.3.2 Breaking of degeneracy by a perturbation

Suppose the unperturbed system has Hamiltonian H 0 and symmetry group G 0 . The perturbed system has
H = H0 + V, and symmetry group G ⊂ G 0 . If Γ(n) (R) is an irreducible representation of G 0 , it is also a
representation of G but not all elements of Γ (n) in G0 are also in G. The representation then usually becomes
reducible: Γ(n) = Γ(n1 ) ⊕ Γ(n2 ) ⊕ . . .. The degeneracy is then (possibly partially) removed: see the figure
below.
5n1 = dim(Γ(n1 ) )
5n 5n2 = dim(Γ(n2 ) )

5n3 = dim(Γ(n3 ) )

Spectrum H0 Spectrum H
(n)
Theorem: The set of 5n degenerated eigenfunctions ψ ν with energy En is a basis for an 5n -dimensional
irreducible representation Γ (n) of the symmetry group.

13.3.3 The construction of a base function


n 
!j
Each function F in configuration space can be decomposed into symmetry types: F = fκ(j)
j=1 κ=1

The following operator extracts the symmetry types:


5j  (j)∗
Γκκ (R)PR F = fκ(j)
h
R∈G
74 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

This is expressed as: fκ is the part of F that transforms according to the κ th

(j) (j)
¯ row of Γ .
 (aj) (j)
F can also be expressed in base functions ϕ: F = cajκ ϕκ . The functions f κ are in general not
ajκ
transformed into each other by elements of the group. However, this does happen if c jaκ = cja .
Theorem: Two wavefunctions transforming according to non-equivalent unitary representations or according
to different rows of an unitary irreducible representation are orthogonal:
(i) (j) (i) (i)
ϕκ |ψλ  ∼ δij δκλ , and ϕκ |ψκ  is independent of κ.

13.3.4 The direct product of representations

Consider a physical system existing of two subsystems. The subspace D (i) of the system transforms according
(i) (1) (2)
to Γ(i) . Basefunctions are ϕκ (xi ), 1 ≤ κ ≤ 5i . Now form all 5 1 × 52 products ϕκ (x1 )ϕλ (x2 ). These
define a space D (1) ⊗ D(2) .
These product functions transform as:
(2) (2)
PR (ϕ(1)
κ (x1 )ϕλ (x2 )) = (PR ϕ(1)
κ (x1 ))(PR ϕλ (x2 ))

In general the space D (1) ⊗ D(2) can be split up in a number of invariant subspaces:

Γ(1) ⊗ Γ(2) = ni Γ(i)
i

A useful tool for this reduction is that for the characters hold:

χ(1) (R)χ(2) (R) = ni χ(i) (R)
i

13.3.5 Clebsch-Gordan coefficients

(i) (j) (aκ)
With the reduction of the direct-product matrix w.r.t. the basis ϕ κ ϕλ one uses a new basis ϕµ . These base
functions lie in subspaces D (ak) . The unitary base transformation is given by:
 (j)
ϕµ(ak) = ϕ(i)
κ ϕλ (iκjλ|akµ)
κλ

(j)

and the inverse transformation by: ϕ (i)
κ ϕλ = ϕ(aκ)
µ (akµ|iκjλ)
akµ

(i) (j) (ak)

In essence the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients are dot products: (iκjλ|akµ) := ϕ k ϕλ |ϕµ 

13.3.6 Symmetric transformations of operators, irreducible tensor operators

Observables (operators) transform as follows under symmetry transformations: A  = PR APR−1 . If a set of
(j)
operators Aκ with 0 ≤ κ ≤ 5j transform into each other under the transformations of G holds:

−1
PR A(j)
κ PR = A(j) (j)
ν Γνκ (R)
ν

(j)
If Γ(j) is irreducible they are called irreducible tensor operators A (j) with components A κ .
 (j)
An operator can also be decomposed into symmetry types: A = ak , with:
jk


5j  (j)∗
a(j)
κ = Γκκ (R) (PR APR−1 )
h
R∈G
Chapter 13: Theory of groups 75

Theorem: Matrix elements Hij of the operator H which is invariant under ∀ A∈G , are 0 between states which
transform according to non-equivalent irreducible unitary representations or according to different rows of such
(i) (i)
a representation. Further ϕ κ |H|ψκ  is independent of κ. For H = 1 this becomes the previous theorem.
This is applied in quantum mechanics in perturbation theory and variational calculus. Here one tries to diag-
(i)
onalize H. Solutions can be found within each category of functions ϕ κ with common i and κ: H is already
diagonal in categories as a whole.
Perturbation calculus can be applied independent within each category. With variational calculus the try func-
tion can be chosen within a separate category because the exact eigenfunctions transform according to a row
of an irreducible representation.

13.3.7 The Wigner-Eckart theorem

(i) (j) (k)
Theorem: The matrix element ϕ λ |Aκ |ψµ  can only be = 0 if Γ (j) ⊗ Γ(k) = . . . ⊕ Γ(i) ⊕ . . .. If this is
the case holds (if Γ (i) appears only once, otherwise one has to sum over a):

(i)
ϕλ |A(j)
κ |ψµ  = (iλ|jκkµ)ϕ A ψ
(k) (i) (j) (k)


This theorem can be used to determine selection rules: the probability of a dipole transition is given by (M is
the direction of polarization of the radiation):
8π 2 e2 f 3 |r12 |2
PD = with r12 = l2 m2 |M · r |l1 m1 
3h̄ε0 c3
Further it can be used to determine intensity ratios: if there is only one value of a the ratio of the matrix
elements are the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients. For more a-values relations between the intensity ratios can be
stated. However, the intensity ratios are also dependent on the occupation of the atomic energy levels.

13.4 Continuous groups

Continuous groups have h = ∞. However, not all groups with h = ∞ are continuous, e.g. the translation
group of an spatially infinite periodic potential is not continuous but does have h = ∞.

13.4.1 The 3-dimensional translation group

For the translation of wavefunctions over a distance a holds: P a ψ(x) = ψ(x − a). Taylor expansion near x
gives:
dψ(x) 1 2 d2 ψ(x)
ψ(x − a) = ψ(x) − a + a − +...
dx 2 dx2
h̄ ∂
Because the momentum operator in quantum mechanics is given by: p x = , this can be written as:
i ∂x
ψ(x − a) = e−iapx /h̄ ψ(x)

13.4.2 The 3-dimensional rotation group

This group is called SO(3) because a faithful representation can be constructed from orthogonal 3 × 3 matrices
with a determinant of +1.
For an infinitesimal rotation around the x-axis holds:

Pδθx ψ(x, y, z) ≈ ψ(x, y + zδθx , z − yδθx )


∂ ∂
= ψ(x, y, z) + zδθx − yδθx ψ(x, y, z)
∂y ∂z


iδθx Lx
= 1− ψ(x, y, z)
h̄
76 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers


h̄ ∂ ∂
Because the angular momentum operator is given by: L x = z −y .
i ∂y ∂z
So in an arbitrary direction holds: Rotations: P α,n = exp(−iα(n · J )/h̄)
Translations: Pa,n = exp(−ia(n · p )/h̄)
Jx , Jy and Jz are called the generators of the 3-dim. rotation group, p x , py and pz are called the generators of
the 3-dim. translation group.
The commutation rules for the generators can be derived from the properties of the group for multiplications:
translations are interchangeable ↔ p x py − py px = 0.
Rotations are not generally interchangeable: consider a rotation around axis n in the xz-plane over an angle
α. Then holds: Pα,n = P−θ,y Pα,x Pθ,y , so:

e−iα(n·J )/h̄ = eiθJy /h̄ e−iαJx /h̄ e−iθJy /h̄

If α and θ are very small and are expanded to second order, and the corresponding terms are put equal with
n · J = Jx cos θ + Jz sin θ, it follows from the αθ term: J x Jy − Jy Jx = ih̄Jz .

13.4.3 Properties of continuous groups

The elements R(p1 , ..., pn ) depend continuously on parameters p 1 , ..., pn . For the translation group this are
e.g. anx , any and anz . It is demanded that the multiplication and inverse of an element R depend continuously
on the parameters of R.
The statement that each element arises only once in each row and column of the Cayley table holds also for
continuous groups. The notion conjugacy class for continuous groups is defined equally as for discrete groups.
The notion representation is fitted by demanding continuity: each matrix element depends continuously on
pi (R).
Summation over all group elements is for continuous groups replaced by an integration. If f (R) is a function
defined on G, e.g. Γ αβ (R), holds:
  
f (R)dR := · · · f (R(p1 , ..., pn ))g(R(p1 , ..., pn ))dp1 · · · dpn
G p1 pn

Here, g(R) is the density function.

" "
Because of the properties of the Cayley table is demanded: f (R)dR = f (SR)dR. This fixes g(R) except
for a constant factor. Define new variables p  by: SR(pi ) = R(pi ). If one writes: dV := dp1 · · · dpn holds:

dV
g(S) = g(E)
dV 


dV dV ∂pi
Here, is the Jacobian: = det , and g(E) is constant.
dV  dV  ∂pj

For the translation group holds: g(a) = constant = g(0 ) because g(an )da = g(0 )da and da = da.
This leads to the fundamental orthogonality theorem:
 
(i)∗ (j) 1
Γµν (R)Γαβ (R)dR = δij δµα δνβ dR
5i
G G

and for the characters hold:  

χ(i)∗ (R)χ(j) (R)dR = δij dR
G G
"
Compact groups are groups with a finite group volume: G dR < ∞.
Chapter 13: Theory of groups 77

13.5 The group SO(3)

One can take 2 parameters for the direction of the rotational axis and one for the angle of rotation ϕ. The
parameter space is a collection points ϕn within a sphere with radius π. The diametrical points on this sphere
are equivalent because R n,π = Rn,−π .
Another way to define parameters is by means of Eulers angles. If α, β and γ are the 3 Euler angles, defined
as:
1. The spherical angles of axis 3 w.r.t. xyz are θ, ϕ := β, α. Now a rotation around axis 3 remains possible.
2. The spherical angles of the z-axis w.r.t. 123 are θ, ϕ := β, π − γ.
then the rotation of a quantum mechanical system is described by:

ψ → e−iαJz h̄ e−iβJy /h̄ e−iγJz /h̄ ψ. So PR = e−iε(n·J )/h̄ .
All irreducible representations of SO(3) can be constructed from the behaviour of the spherical harmonics
Ylm (θ, ϕ) with −l ≤ m ≤ l and for a fixed l:
 (l)
PR Ylm (θ, ϕ) = Ylm (θ, ϕ)Dmm (R)
m

D(l) is an irreducible representation of dimension 2l + 1. The character of D (l) is given by:


l 
l
sin([l + 12 ]α)
χ(l) (α) = eimα = 1 + 2 cos(kα) =
m=−l k=0
sin( 12 α)

In the performed derivation α is the rotational angle around the z-axis. This expression is valid for all rotations
over an angle α because the classes of SO(3) are rotations around the same angle around an axis with an
arbitrary orientation.
Via the fundamental orthogonality theorem for characters one obtains the following expression for the density
function (which is normalized so that g(0) = 1):
sin2 ( 12 α)
g(α) =
( 12 α)2
With this result one can see that the given representations of SO(3) are the only ones: the character of another
representation χ  would have to be ⊥ to the already found ones, so χ  (α) sin2 ( 12 α) = 0∀α ⇒ χ (α) = 0∀α.
This is contradictory because the dimension of the representation is given by χ  (0).
Because fermions have an half-odd integer spin the states ψ sms with s = 12 and ms = ± 21 constitute a 2-dim.
space which is invariant under rotations. A problem arises for rotations over 2π:
ψ 12 ms → e−2πiSz /h̄ ψ 12 ms = e−2πims ψ 12 ms = −ψ 12 ms
However, in SO(3) holds: R z,2π = E. So here holds E → ±II. Because observable quantities can always be
written as φ|ψ or φ|A|ψ, and are bilinear in the states, they do not change sign if the states do. If only one
state changes sign the observable quantities do change.
The existence of these half-odd integer representations is connected with the topological properties of SO(3):
the group is two-fold coherent through the identification R 0 = R2π = E.

13.6 Applications to quantum mechanics

13.6.1 Vectormodel for the addition of angular momentum
If two subsystems have angular momentum quantum numbers j 1 and j2 the only possible values for the total
angular momentum are J = j 1 + j2 , j1 + j2 − 1, ..., |j1 − j2 |. This can be derived from group theory as follows:
from χ(j1 ) (α)χ(j2 ) (α) = nj χ(J) (α) follows:
J

D(j1 ) ⊗ D(j2 ) = D(j1 +j2 ) ⊕ D(j1 +j2 −1) ⊕ ... ⊕ D(|j1 −j2 |)
78 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

The states can be characterized by quantum numbers in two ways: with j 1 , m1 , j2 , m2 and with j1 , j2 , J, M .
The Clebsch-Gordan coefficients, for SO(3) called the Wigner coefficients, can be chosen real, so:

ψj1 j2 JM = ψj1 m1 j2 m2 (j1 m1 j2 m2 |JM )

m 1 m2
ψj1 m1 j2 m2 = ψj1 j2 JM (j1 m1 j2 m2 |JM )
JM

13.6.2 Irreducible tensor operators, matrixelements and selection rules

Some examples of the behaviour of operators under SO(3)
1. Suppose j = 0: this gives the identical representation with 5 j = 1. This state is described by a
scalar operator. Because P R A0 PR−1 = A0 this operator is invariant, e.g. the Hamiltonian of a
(0) (0)
 
free atom. Then holds: J M |H|JM  ∼ δMM  δJJ  .

2. A vector operator: A = (Ax , Ay , Az ). The cartesian components of a vector operator transform equally
as the cartesian components of r by definition. So for rotations around the z-axis holds:
 
cos α − sin α 0
D(Rα,z ) =  sin α cos α 0 
0 0 1

The
. transformed / has the same matrix elements w.r.t. P R ψ and PR φ:
operator
PR ψ|PR Ax PR−1 |PR φ = ψ|Ax |φ, and χ(Rα,z ) = 1 + 2 cos(α). According to the equation for
characters this means one can choose base operators which transform like Y 1m (θ, ϕ). These turn out to
be the spherical components:

(1) 1 (1) (1) 1

A+1 = − √ (Ax + iAy ), A0 = Az , A−1 = √ (Ax − iAy )
2 2

 and
3. A cartesian tensor of rank 2: T ij is a quantity which transforms under rotations like U i Vj , where U
−1 
V are vectors. So T ij transforms like PR Tij P R = Tkl Dki (R)Dlj (R), so like D (1) ⊗ D(1) =
kl
D ⊕ D ⊕ D . The 9 components can be split in 3 invariant subspaces with dimension 1 (D (0) ),
(2) (1) (0)

3 (D (1) ) and 5 (D (2) ). The new base operators are:

 ·V
I. Tr(T ) = Txx + Tyy + Tzz . This transforms as the scalar U  , so as D (0) .
 × V ,
II. The 3 antisymmetric components A z = 12 (Txy − Tyx ), etc. These transform as the vector U
(1)
so as D .
III. The 5 independent components of the traceless, symmetric tensor S:
Sij = 12 (Tij + Tji ) − 13 δij Tr(T ). These transform as D (2) .

Selection rules for dipole transitions

 +
Dipole operators transform as D (1) : for an electric dipole transfer is the operator er, for a magnetic e( L

2S )/2m.

From the Wigner-Eckart theorem follows: J  M  |Aκ |JM  = 0 except D (J ) is a part of D (1) ⊗ D(J) =
(1)

D(J+1) ⊕ D(J) ⊕ D(|J−1|) . This means that J  ∈ {J + 1, J, |J − 1|}: J  = J or J  = J ± 1, except

J  = J = 0.

Landé-equation for the anomalous Zeeman splitting

According to Landé’s model the interaction between a magnetic moment with an external magnetic field is
 on J because L
determined by the projection of M  and S
 precede fast around J.
 This can also be understood
Chapter 13: Theory of groups 79

from the Wigner-Eckart theorem: from this follows that the matrix elements from all vector operators show a
 follows:
certain proportionality. For an arbitrary operator A

αjm|A · J |αjm
αjm |A|αjm
 = αjm |J |αjm
j(j + 1)h̄2

13.7 Applications to particle physics

The physics of a system does not change after performing a transformation ψ  = eiδ ψ where δ is a constant.
This is a global gauge transformation: the phase of the wavefunction changes everywhere by the same amount.
 and φ at the same E
There exists some freedom in the choice of the potentials A  and B:
 gauge transformations
of the potentials do not change E and B (See chapter 2 and 10). The solution ψ  of the Schrödinger equation
with the transformed potentials is: ψ  = e−iqf (r,t) ψ.

This is a local gauge transformation: the phase of the wavefunction changes different at each position. The
physics of the system does not change if A and φ are also transformed. This is now stated as a guide principle:
the “right of existence” of the electromagnetic field is to allow local gauge invariance.

The gauge transformations of the EM-field form a group: U(1), unitary 1 × 1-matrices. The split-off of charge
in the exponent is essential: it allows one gauge field for all charged particles, independent of their charge.

This concept is generalized: particles have a “special charge” Q. The group elements now are
PR = exp(−iQΘ).

Other force fields than the electromagnetic field can also be understood this way. The weak interaction together
with the electromagnetic interaction can be described by a force field that transforms according to U(1)⊗SU(2),
and consists of the photon and three intermediary vector bosons. The colour force is described by SU(3), and
has a gauge field that exists of 8 types of gluons.

In general the group elements are given by P R = exp(−iT · Θ),

 where Θn are real constants and T n operators

(generators), like Q. The commutation rules are given by [T i , Tj ] = i cijk Tk . The cijk are the structure
k
constants of the group. For SO(3) these constants are c ijk = εijk , here εijk is the complete antisymmetric
tensor with ε123 = +1.

These constants can be found with the help of group product elements: because G is closed holds:
          
eiΘ·T eiΘ ·T e−iΘ·T e−iΘ ·T = e−iΘ ·T . Taylor expansion and setting equal Θ n Θm -terms results in the com-
mutation rules.

The group SU(2) has 3 free parameters: because it is unitary there are 4 real conditions over 4 complex
parameters, and the determinant has to be +1, remaining 3 free parameters.

Each unitary matrix U can be written as: U = e −iH . Here, H is a Hermitian matrix. Further it always holds
that: det(U ) = e−iTr(H) .
For each matrix of SU(2) holds that Tr(H)=0. Each Hermitian, traceless 2 × 2 matrix can be written as a linear
combination of the 3 Pauli-matrices σ i . So these matrices are a choice for the operators of SU(2). One can
write: SU(2)={exp(− 1 iσ · Θ)}.
2


In abstraction, one can consider an isomorphic group where only the commutation rules are considered to be
known regarding the operators T i : [T1 , T2 ] = iT3 , etc.

In elementary particle physics the T i can be interpreted e.g. as the isospin operators. Elementary particles can
be classified in isospin-multiplets, these are the irreducible representations of SU(2). The classification is:
 
1. The isospin-singlet ≡ the identical representation: e −iT ·Θ = 1 ⇒ Ti = 0

2. The isospin-doublet ≡ the faithful representation of SU(2) on 2 × 2 matrices.

80 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

The group SU(3) has 8 free parameters. (The group SU(N ) has N 2 − 1 free parameters). The Hermitian,
traceless operators are 3 SU(2)-subgroups in the e 1e2 , e1e3 and the e2e3 plane. This gives 9 matrices, which
are not all 9 linear independent. By taking a linear combination one gets 8 matrices.

∂ D ∂  8
In the Lagrange density for the colour force one has to substitute → := − Ti Aix
∂x Dx ∂x i=1
The terms of 3rd and 4th power in A show that the colour field interacts with itself.
Chapter 14

Nuclear physics

14.1 Nuclear forces

9
The mass of a nucleus is given by: 8
↑ 7
Mnucl = Zmp + N mn − Ebind /c2
E 6
The binding energy per nucleon is given in (MeV) 5
the figure at the right. The top is at 56
26 Fe, 4
the most stable nucleus. With the constants 3
a1 = 15.760 MeV 2
a2 = 17.810 MeV 1
a3 = 0.711 MeV
0
a4 = 23.702 MeV 0 40 80 120 160 200 240
a5 = 34.000 MeV A→

and A = Z + N , in the droplet or collective model of the nucleus the binding energy E bind is given by:

Ebind Z(Z − 1) (N − Z)2

2
= a1 A − a2 A2/3 − a3 1/3
− a4 + Ma5 A−3/4
c A A
These terms arise from:
1. a1 : Binding energy of the strong nuclear force, approximately ∼ A.
2. a2 : Surface correction: the nucleons near the surface are less bound.
3. a3 : Coulomb repulsion between the protons.
4. a4 : Asymmetry term: a surplus of protons or neutrons has a lower binding energy.
5. a5 : Pair off effect: nuclei with an even number of protons or neutrons are more stable because groups of
two protons or neutrons have a lower energy. The following holds:
Z even, N even: M = +1, Z odd, N odd: M = −1.
Z even, N odd: M = 0, Z odd, N even: M = 0.
The Yukawa potential can be derived if the nuclear force can to first approximation, be considered as an
exchange of virtual pions:

W0 r0 r
U (r) = − exp −
r r0
With ∆E · ∆t ≈ h̄, Eγ = m0 c2 and r0 = c∆t follows: r0 = h̄/m0 c.
In the shell model of the nucleus one assumes that a nucleon moves in an average field of other nucleons.
Further, there is a contribution of the spin-orbit coupling ∼ L · S:
 ∆Vls = 1 (2l + 1)h̄ω. So each level
2
(n, l) is split in two, with j = l ± 2 , where the state with j = l + 12 has the lowest energy. This is just
1

the opposite for electrons, which is an indication that the L − S interaction is not electromagnetical. The
energy of a 3-dimensional harmonic oscillator is E = (N + 32 )h̄ω. N = nx + ny + nz = 2(n − 1) + l
where n ≥ 1 is the main oscillator number. Because −l ≤ m ≤ l and m s = ± 12 h̄ there are 2(2l + 1)
82 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

substates which exist independently for protons and neutrons. This gives rise to the so called magical numbers:
nuclei where each state in the outermost level are filled are particulary stable. This is the case if N or Z
∈ {2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, 126}.

14.2 The shape of the nucleus

A nucleus is to first approximation spherical with a radius of R = R 0 A1/3 . Here, R0 ≈ 1.4·10−15 m, constant
for all nuclei. If the nuclear radius is measured including the charge distribution one obtains R 0 ≈ 1.2 · 10−15
m. The shape of oscillating nuclei can be described by spherical harmonics:


m
R = R0 1 + alm Yl (θ, ϕ)
lm

l = 0 gives rise to monopole vibrations, density vibrations, which can be applied to the
√theory of neutron stars.
l = 1 gives dipole vibrations, l = 2 quadrupole, with a 2,0 = β cos γ and a2,±2 = 12 2β sin γ where β is the
deformation factor and γ the shape parameter. The multipole moment is given by µ l = Zerl Ylm (θ, ϕ). The
parity of the electric moment is Π E = (−1)l , of the magnetic moment Π M = (−1)l+1 .

There are 2 contributions to the magnetic moment: M L = e L  and M  S = gS e S. 

2mp 2mp
where gS is the spin-gyromagnetic ratio. For protons holds g S = 5.5855 and for neutrons g S = −3.8263.
The z-components of the magnetic moment are given by M L,z = µN ml and MS,z = gS µN mS . The resulting
 = gI (e/2mp)I.
magnetic moment is related to the nuclear spin I according to M  The z-component is then
Mz = µN gI mI .

14.3 Radioactive decay

The number of nuclei decaying is proportional to the number of nuclei: Ṅ = −λN . This gives for the number
of nuclei N : N (t) = N0 exp(−λt). The half life time follows from τ 12 λ = ln(2). The average life time
of a nucleus is τ = 1/λ. The probability that N nuclei decay within a time interval is given by a Poisson
distribution:
λN e−λ
P (N )dt = N0 dt
N!

nucleus can decay into more final states then holds: λ =
If a  λi . So the fraction decaying into state i is
λi / λi . There are 5 types of natural radioactive decay:
1. α-decay: the nucleus emits a He 2+ nucleus. Because nucleons tend to order themselves in groups of
2p+2n this can be considered as a tunneling of a He 2+ nucleus through a potential barrier. The tunnel
probability P is
! 
incoming amplitude −2G 1
P = =e with G = 2m [V (r) − E]dr
outgoing amplitude h̄

G is called the Gamow factor.

2. β-decay. Here a proton changes into a neutron or vice versa:
p+ → n0 + W+ → n0 + e+ + νe , and n0 → p+ + W− → p+ + e− + ν e .
3. Electron capture: here, a proton in the nucleus captures an electron (usually from the K-shell).
4. Spontaneous fission: a nucleus breaks apart.
5. γ-decay: here the nucleus emits a high-energetic photon. The decay constant is given by

2l
P (l) Eγ Eγ R
λ= ∼ ∼ 10−4l
h̄ω (h̄c)2 h̄c
Chapter 14: Nuclear physics 83

where l is the quantum number for the angular momentum and P the radiated power. Usually the
decay constant of electric multipole moments is larger than the one of magnetic multipole moments.
The energy of the photon is E γ = Ei − Ef − TR , with TR = Eγ2 /2mc2 the recoil energy, which
can usually be neglected. The parity of the emitted radiation
 is Π l = Πi · Πf . With I the quantum
number of angular momentum of the nucleus, L = h̄ I(I + 1), holds the following selection rule:
|Ii − If | ≤ ∆l ≤ |Ii + If |.

14.4 Scattering and nuclear reactions

14.4.1 Kinetic model
If a beam with intensity I hits a target with density n and length x (Rutherford scattering) the number of
scatterings R per unit of time is equal to R = Inxσ. From this follows that the intensity of the beam decreases
as −dI = Inσdx. This results in I = I0 e−nσx = I0 e−µx .
dσ R(θ, ϕ)
Because dR = R(θ, ϕ)dΩ/4π = Inxdσ it follows: =
dΩ 4πnxI
∆N dσ
If N particles are scattered in a material with density n then holds: = n ∆Ω∆x
N dΩ

dσ  Z1 Z2 e2 1
For Coulomb collisions holds:  = 2 4
dΩ C 8πε0 µv0 sin ( 12 θ)

14.4.2 Quantum mechanical model for n-p scattering

The initial state is a beam of neutrons moving along the z-axis with wavefunction ψ init = eikz and current
density Jinit = v|ψinit |2 = v. At large distances from the scattering point they have approximately a spherical
wavefunction ψ scat = f (θ)eikr /r where f (θ) is the scattering amplitude. The total wavefunction is then given
by
eikr
ψ = ψin + ψscat = eikz + f (θ)
r
The particle flux of the scattered particles is v|ψ scat |2 = v|f (θ)|2 dΩ. From this it follows that σ(θ) = |f (θ)| 2 .
The wavefunction of the incoming particles can be expressed as a sum of angular momentum wavefunctions:

ψinit = eikz = ψl
l

The impact parameter is related to the angular momentum with L = bp = bh̄k, so bk ≈ l. At very low energy
only particles with l = 0 are scattered, so
 sin(kr)
ψ = ψ0 + ψl and ψ0 =
kr
l>0

sin(kr + δ0 )
If the potential is approximately rectangular holds: ψ 0 = C
kr

sin2 (δ0 ) 4π sin2 (δ0 )
The cross section is then σ(θ) = so σ = σ(θ)dΩ =
k2 k2
h̄2 k 2 /2m
At very low energies holds: sin 2 (δ0 ) =
W0 + W
4π  2
with W0 the depth of the potential well. At higher energies holds: σ = sin (δl )
k2
l
84 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

14.4.3 Conservation of energy and momentum in nuclear reactions

If a particle P1 collides with a particle P2 which is in rest w.r.t. the laboratory system and other particles are
created, so 
P1 + P2 → Pk
k>2

the total energy Q gained or required is given by Q = (m 1 + m2 − mk )c2 .
k>2

The minimal required kinetic energy T of P 1 in the laboratory system to initialize the reaction is

m1 + m2 + mk
T = −Q
2m2
If Q < 0 there is a threshold energy.

14.5 Radiation dosimetry

Radiometric quantities determine the strength of the radiation source(s). Dosimetric quantities are related to
the energy transfer from radiation to matter. Parameters describing a relation between those are called inter-
action parameters. The intensity of a beam of particles in matter decreases according to I(s) = I 0 exp(−µs).
The deceleration of a heavy particle is described by the Bethe-Bloch equation:

dE q2
∼ 2
ds v

The fluention is given by Φ = dN/dA. The flux is given by φ = dΦ/dt. The energy loss is defined by Ψ =
dW/dA, and the energy flux density ψ = dΨ/dt. The absorption coefficient is given by µ = (dN/N )/dx.
The mass absorption coefficient is given by µ/3.
The radiation dose X is the amount of charge produced by the radiation per unit of mass, with unit C/kg. An
old unit is the Röntgen: 1Ro= 2.58 · 10 −4 C/kg. With the energy-absorption coefficient µ E follows:
dQ eµE
X= = Ψ
dm W3
where W is the energy required to disjoin an elementary charge.
The absorbed dose D is given by D = dE abs /dm, with unit Gy=J/kg. An old unit is the rad: 1 rad=0.01 Gy.
The dose tempo is defined as Ḋ. It can be derived that
µE
D= Ψ
3
The Kerma K is the amount of kinetic energy of secundary produced particles which is produced per mass
unit of the radiated object.
The equivalent dose H is a weight average of the absorbed dose per type of radiation, where for each type
radiation the effects on biological material is used for the weight factor. These weight factors are called the
H = QD. If the absorption is not equally distributed also weight factors w
quality factors. Their unit is Sv. 
per organ need to be used: H = wk Hk . For some types of radiation holds:
Radiation type Q
Röntgen, gamma radiation 1
β, electrons, mesons 1
Thermic neutrons 3 to 5
Fast neutrons 10 to 20
protons 10
α, fission products 20
Chapter 15

Quantum field theory & Particle physics

15.1 Creation and annihilation operators

A state with more particles can be described by a collection occupation numbers |n 1 n2 n3 · · ·. Hence the
vacuum state is given by |000 · · ·. This is a complete description because the particles are indistinguishable.
The states are orthonormal:
∞
1
n1 n2 n3 · · · |n1 n2 n3 · · · = δni ni
i=1
The time-dependent state vector is given by

Ψ(t) = cn1 n2 ··· (t)|n1 n2 · · ·
n1 n2 ···

The coefficients c can be interpreted as follows: |c n1 n2 ··· |2 is the probability to find n 1 particles with momen-

tum k1 , n2 particles with momentum k2 , etc., and Ψ(t)|Ψ(t) = |cni (t)|2 = 1. The expansion of the states
in time is described by the Schrödinger equation
d
i |Ψ(t) = H|Ψ(t)
dt
where H = H0 + Hint . H0 is the Hamiltonian for free particles and keeps |c ni (t)|2 constant, Hint is the
interaction Hamiltonian and can increase or decrease a c 2 at the cost of others.
All operators which can change occupation numbers can be expanded in the a and a † operators. a is the
annihilation operator and a † the creation operator, and:
√
a(ki )|n1 n2 · · · ni · · · = ni |n1 n2 · · · ni − 1 · · ·
† 
√
a (ki )|n1 n2 · · · ni · · · = ni + 1 |n1 n2 · · · ni + 1 · · ·

Because the states are normalized holds a|0 = 0 and a(ki )a† (ki )|ni  = ni |ni . So aa† is an occupation
number operator. The following commutation rules can be derived:
[a(ki ), a(kj )] = 0 , [a† (ki ), a† (kj )] = 0 , [a(ki ), a† (kj )] = δij
 †
Hence for free spin-0 particles holds: H 0 = a (ki )a(ki )h̄ωki
i

15.2 Classical and quantum fields

Starting with a real field Φ α (x) (complex fields can be split in a real and an imaginary part), the Lagrange
density L is a function of "the position x = (x, ict) through the fields: L = L(Φ α (x), ∂ν Φα (x)). The La-
grangian"is given by L = L(x)d3 x. Using the variational principle δI(Ω) = 0 and with the action-integral
I(Ω) = L(Φα , ∂ν Φα )d4 x the field equation can be derived:
∂L ∂ ∂L
α
− =0
∂Φ ∂xν ∂(∂ν Φα )
The conjugated field is, analogous to momentum in classical mechanics, defined as:
∂L
Πα (x) =
∂ Φ̇α
86 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

With this, the Hamilton density becomes H(x) = Π α Φ̇α − L(x).

Quantization of a classical field is analogous to quantization in point mass mechanics: the field functions are
considered as operators obeying certain commutation rules:

[Φα (x), Φβ (x  )] = 0 , [Πα (x), Πβ (x  )] = 0 , [Φα (x), Πβ (x  )] = iδαβ (x − x  )

15.3 The interaction picture

Some equivalent formulations of quantum mechanics are possible:
1. Schrödinger picture: time-dependent states, time-independent operators.
2. Heisenberg picture: time-independent states, time-dependent operators.
3. Interaction picture: time-dependent states, time-dependent operators.
The interaction picture can be obtained from the Schrödinger picture by an unitary transformation:
S S S
|Φ(t) = eiH0 |ΦS (t) and O(t) = eiH0 OS e−iH0

The index S denotes the Schrödinger picture. From this follows:

d d
i |Φ(t) = Hint (t)|Φ(t) and i O(t) = [O(t), H0 ]
dt dt

15.4 Real scalar field in the interaction picture

It is easy to find that, with M := m 20 c2 /h̄2 , holds:
∂ ∂
Φ(x) = Π(x) and Π(x) = (∇2 − M 2 )Φ(x)
∂t ∂t
From this follows that Φ obeys the Klein-Gordon equation (✷ − M 2 )Φ = 0. With the definition k02 =
k 2 + M 2 := ω 2 and the notation k · x − ik0 t := kx the general solution of this equation is:
k

1  1   ikx  i  1  
Φ(x) = √ √ a(k )e + a† (k )e−ikx , Π(x) = √  ikx + a† (k )e−ikx
2 ωk −a(k )e
V  2ωk V 
k k

The field operators contain a volume V , which is used as normalization factor. Usually one can take the limit
V → ∞.
In general it holds that the term with e −ikx , the positive frequency part, is the creation part, and the negative
frequency part is the annihilation part.
the coefficients have to be each others hermitian conjugate because Φ is hermitian. Because Φ has only one
component this can be interpreted as a field describing a particle with spin zero. From this follows that the
commutation rules are given by [Φ(x), Φ(x  )] = i∆(x − x ) with

1 sin(ky) 3
∆(y) = d k
(2π)3 ωk
∆(y) is an odd function which is invariant for proper Lorentz transformations (no mirroring). This is consistent
with the previously found result [Φ(x, t, Φ(x  , t)] = 0. In general holds that ∆(y) = 0 outside the light cone.
So the equations obey the locality postulate.
The Lagrange density is given by: L(Φ, ∂ ν Φ) = − 12 (∂ν Φ∂ν Φ + m2 Φ2 ). The energy operator is given by:
 
H = H(x)d3 x = h̄ωk a† (k )a(k )

k
Chapter 15: Quantum field theory & Particle physics 87

15.5 Charged spin-0 particles, conservation of charge

The Lagrange density of charged spin-0 particles is given by: L = −(∂ ν Φ∂ν Φ∗ + M 2 ΦΦ∗ ).
Noether’s theorem connects a continuous symmetry of L and an additive conservation law. Suppose that
L ((Φα ) , ∂ν (Φα ) ) = L (Φα , ∂ν Φα ) and there exists a continuous transformation between Φ α and Φα  such
as Φα  = Φα + Mf α (Φ). Then holds

∂ ∂L α
f =0
∂xν ∂(∂ν Φα )
This is a continuity equation ⇒ conservation law. Which quantity is conserved depends on the symmetry. The
above Lagrange density is invariant for a change in phase Φ → Φe iθ : a global gauge transformation. The
conserved quantity is the current density J µ (x) = −ie(Φ∂µ Φ∗ − Φ∗ ∂µ Φ). Because this quantity is 0 for real
fields a complex field is needed to describe charged particles. When this field is quantized the field operators
are given by
1  1   ikx  1  1  †  ikx 
Φ(x) = √ √ a(k )e + b† (k )e−ikx , Φ† (x) = √ √ a (k )e + b(k )e−ikx
V  2ωk V  2ωk
k k

Hence the energy operator is given by:

  
H= h̄ωk a† (k )a(k ) + b† (k )b(k )

k

and the charge operator is given by:

   
Q(t) = −i J4 (x)d3 x ⇒ Q = e a† (k )a(k ) − b† (k )b(k )

k

From this follows that a † a := N+ (k ) is an occupation number operator for particles with a positive charge
and b† b := N− (k ) is an occupation number operator for particles with a negative charge.

15.6 Field functions for spin- 12 particles

Spin is defined by the behaviour of the solutions ψ of the Dirac equation. A scalar field Φ has the property
that, if it obeys the Klein-Gordon equation, the rotated field Φ̃(x) := Φ(Λ−1 x) also obeys it. Λ denotes
4-dimensional rotations: the proper Lorentz transformations. These can be written as:


−i 
n ·L ∂ ∂
Φ̃(x) = Φ(x)e with Lµν = −ih̄ xµ − xν
∂xν ∂xµ

For µ ≤ 3, ν ≤ 3 these are rotations, for ν = 4, µ = 4 these are Lorentz transformations.

A rotated field ψ̃ obeys the Dirac equation if the following condition holds: ψ̃(x) = D(Λ)ψ(Λ−1 x). This

results in the condition D −1 γλ D = Λλµ γµ . One finds: D = ein·S with Sµν = −i 21 h̄γµ γν . Hence:

ψ̃(x) = e−i(S+L) ψ(x) = e−iJ ψ(x)

Then the solutions of the Dirac equation are given by:

p )e−i(p·x±Et)
ψ(x) = ur± (

Here, r is an indication for the direction of the spin, and ± is the sign of the energy. With the notation
v r (
p ) = ur− (−
p ) and ur (
p ) = ur+ (
p ) one can write for the dot products of these spinors:

 E  E 
ur+ (
p )ur+ (
p) = δrr , ur− (
p )ur− (
p) = δrr , ur+ (
p )ur− (
p) = 0
M M
88 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

Because of the factor E/M this is not relativistic invariant. A Lorentz-invariant dot product is defined by
ab := a† γ4 b, where a := a† γ4 is a row spinor. From this follows:
  
p )ur (
ur ( p ) = δrr , v r ( p ) = −δrr , ur (
p )v r ( p )v r (
p) = 0
Combinations of the type aa give a 4 × 4 matrix:

2
−iγλ pλ + M 2
−iγλ pλ − M
r
u p )ur (
( p) = , v r (
p )v r (
p) =
r=1
2M r=1
2M

The Lagrange density which results in the Dirac equation and having the correct energy normalization is:


∂
L(x) = −ψ(x) γµ + M ψ(x)
∂xµ
and the current density is J µ (x) = −ieψγµ ψ.

15.7 Quantization of spin- 12 fields

The general solution for the fieldoperators is in this case:

M  1 # $
ψ(x) = √ p )eipx + d†r (
p )ur (
cr ( p )e−ipx
p )v r (
V E r p


and 
M  1 # † $
ψ(x) = √ p )e−ipx + dr (
p )ur (
cr ( p )eipx
p )v r (
V E r
p


Here, c† and c are the creation respectively annihilation operators for an electron and d † and d the creation
respectively annihilation operators for a positron. The energy operator is given by
 
2
# † $
H= Ep cr (
p )cr ( p )d†r (
p ) − dr ( p)
p
 r=1

To prevent that the energy of positrons is negative the operators must obey anti commutation rules in stead of
commutation rules:
p ), c†r (
[cr ( p ), d†r (
p )]+ = [dr ( p )]+ = δrr δpp , all other anti commutators are 0.
The field operators obey
[ψα (x), ψβ (x )] = 0 , [ψα (x), ψβ (x )] = 0 , [ψα (x), ψβ (x )]+ = −iSαβ (x − x )


∂
with S(x) = γλ − M ∆(x)
∂xλ
The anti commutation rules give besides the positive-definite energy also the Pauli exclusion principle and the
Fermi-Dirac statistics: because c†r (p )c†r (
p ) = −c†r (
p )c†r (
p ) holds: {c†r (p)}2 = 0. It appears to be impossible
to create two electrons with the same momentum and spin. This is the exclusion principle. Another way to see
this is the fact that {Nr+ (
p )}2 = Nr+ (p ): the occupation operators have only eigenvalues 0 and 1.
To avoid infinite vacuum contributions to the energy and charge the normal product is introduced. The expres-
sion for the current density now becomes J µ = −ieN (ψγµ ψ). This product is obtained by:
• Expand all fields into creation and annihilation operators,
• Keep all terms which have no annihilation operators, or in which they are on the right of the creation
operators,
• In all other terms interchange the factors so that the annihilation operators go to the right. By an inter-
change of two fermion operators add a minus sign, by interchange of two boson operators not. Assume
hereby that all commutators are zero.
Chapter 15: Quantum field theory & Particle physics 89

15.8 Quantization of the electromagnetic field

∂Aν ∂Aν
Starting with the Lagrange density L = − 12
∂xµ ∂xµ
it follows for the field operators A(x):

1  1  
4
A(x) = √ √ am (k )Mm (k )eikx + a† (k )Mm (k )∗ e−ikx
V  2ωk m=1
k

The operators obey [a m (k ), a†m (k )] = δmm δkk . All other commutators are 0. m gives the polarization
direction of the photon: m = 1, 2 gives transversal polarized, m = 3 longitudinal polarized and m = 4
timelike polarized photons. Further holds:

[Aµ (x), Aν (x )] = iδµν D(x − x ) with D(y) = ∆(y)|m=0

In spite of the fact that A 4 = iV is imaginary in the classical case, A 4 is still defined to be hermitian be-
cause otherwise the sign of the energy becomes incorrect. By changing the definition of the inner product in
configuration space the expectation values for A 1,2,3 (x) ∈ IR and for A4 (x) become imaginary.
If the potentials satisfy the Lorentz gauge condition ∂ µ Aµ = 0 the E and B operators derived from these
potentials will satisfy the Maxwell equations. However, this gives problems with the commutation rules. It is
now demanded that only those states are permitted for which holds

∂A+
µ
|Φ = 0
∂xµ
 
∂Aµ
This results in: = 0.
∂xµ
From this follows that (a 3 (k ) − a4 (k ))|Φ = 0. With a local gauge transformation one obtains N 3 (k ) = 0
and N4 (k ) = 0. However, this only applies to free EM-fields: in intermediary states in interactions there
can exist longitudinal and timelike photons. These photons are also responsible for the stationary Coulomb
potential.

15.9 Interacting fields and the S-matrix

The S(scattering)-matrix gives a relation between the initial and final states of an interaction: |Φ(∞) =
S|Φ(−∞). If the Schrödinger equation is integrated:

t
|Φ(t) = |Φ(−∞) − i Hint (t1 )|Φ(t1 )dt1
−∞

and perturbation theory is applied one finds that:

∞   ∞
(−i)n
S= · · · T {Hint (x1 ) · · · Hint (xn )} d4 x1 · · · d4 xn ≡ S (n)
n=0
n! n=0

Here, the T -operator means a time-ordered product: the terms in such a product must be ordered in increasing
time order from the right to the left so that the earliest terms act first. The S-matrix is then given by: S ij =
Φi |S|Φj  = Φi |Φ(∞).
The interaction Hamilton density for the interaction between the electromagnetic and the electron-positron
field is: Hint (x) = −Jµ (x)Aµ (x) = ieN (ψγµ ψAµ )
 
When this is expanded as: H int = ieN (ψ + + ψ − )γµ (ψ + + ψ − )(A+ −
µ + Aµ )
90 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

eight terms appear. Each term corresponds with a possible process. The term ieψ + γµ ψ + A− µ acting on |Φ
− + +
gives transitions where A µ creates a photon, ψ annihilates an electron and ψ annihilates a positron. Only
terms with the correct number of particles in the initial and final state contribute to a matrix element Φ i |S|Φj .
Further the factors in H int can create and thereafter annihilate particles: the virtual particles.
The expressions for S (n) contain time-ordered products of normal products. This can be written as a sum of
normal products. The appearing operators describe the minimal changes necessary to change the initial state
into the final state. The effects of the virtual particles are described by the (anti)commutator functions. Some
time-ordened products are:

T {Φ(x)Φ(y)} = N {Φ(x)Φ(y)} + 12 ∆F (x − y)
; < ; <
T ψα (x)ψβ (y) = N ψα (x)ψβ (y) − 12 Sαβ
F
(x − y)
T {Aµ (x)Aν (y)} = N {Aµ (x)Aν (y)} + 12 δµν Dµν
F
(x − y)

Here, S F (x) = (γµ ∂µ − M )∆F (x), D F (x) = ∆F (x)|m=0 and

  ikx


1 e
d3 k

 if x0 > 0
 (2π)3 ωk
∆F (x) =

  −ikx

 1 e
 3
d3 k if x0 < 0
(2π) ωk

The term 12 ∆F (x − y) is called the contraction of Φ(x) and Φ(y), and is the expectation value of the time-
ordered product in the vacuum state. Wick’s theorem gives an expression for the time-ordened product of
an arbitrary number of field operators. The graphical representation of these processes are called Feynman
diagrams. In the x-representation each diagram describes a number of processes. The contraction functions
can also be written as:
 
F −2i eikx 4 F −2i iγµ pµ − M 4
∆ (x) = lim d k and S (x) = lim eipx 2 d p
D→0 (2π)4 k 2 + m2 − iM D→0 (2π)4 p + M 2 − iM

In the expressions for S (2) this gives rise to terms δ(p + k − p − k  ). This means that energy and momentum
is conserved. However, virtual particles do not obey the relation between energy and momentum.

15.10 Divergences and renormalization

It turns out that higher orders contribute infinite terms because only the sum p + k of the four-momentum of
the virtual particles is fixed. An integration over one of them becomes ∞. In the x-representation this can
be understood because the product of two functions containing δ-like singularities is not well defined. This is
solved by discounting all divergent diagrams in a renormalization of e and M . It is assumed that an electron, if
there would not be an electromagnetical field, would have a mass M 0 and a charge e 0 unequal to the observed
mass M and charge e. In the Hamilton and Lagrange density of the free electron-positron field appears M 0 .
So this gives, with M = M0 + ∆M :

Le−p (x) = −ψ(x)(γµ ∂µ + M0 )ψ(x) = −ψ(x)(γµ ∂µ + M )ψ(x) + ∆M ψ(x)ψ(x)

and Hint = ieN (ψγµ ψAµ ) − i∆eN (ψγµ ψAµ ).

15.11 Classification of elementary particles

Elementary particles can be categorized as follows:
1. Hadrons: these exist of quarks and can be categorized in:
I. Baryons: these exist of 3 quarks or 3 antiquarks.
Chapter 15: Quantum field theory & Particle physics 91

II. Mesons: these exist of one quark and one antiquark.

2. Leptons: e± , µ± , τ ± , νe , νµ , ντ , ν e , ν µ , ν τ .
3. Field quanta: γ, W± , Z0 , gluons, gravitons (?).
An overview of particles and antiparticles is given in the following table:
Particle spin (h̄) B L T T3 S C B∗ charge (e) m 0 (MeV) antipart.
u 1/2 1/3 0 1/2 1/2 0 0 0 +2/3 5 u
d 1/2 1/3 0 1/2 −1/2 0 0 0 −1/3 9 d
s 1/2 1/3 0 0 0 −1 0 0 −1/3 175 s
c 1/2 1/3 0 0 0 0 1 0 +2/3 1350 c
b 1/2 1/3 0 0 0 0 0 −1 −1/3 4500 b
t 1/2 1/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 +2/3 173000 t
e− 1/2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 −1 0.511 e+
µ− 1/2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 −1 105.658 µ+
τ− 1/2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 −1 1777.1 τ+
νe 1/2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0(?) νe
νµ 1/2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0(?) νµ
ντ 1/2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0(?) ντ
γ 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 γ
gluon 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 gluon
W+ 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 +1 80220 W−
Z 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 91187 Z
graviton 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 graviton
Here B is the baryon number and L the lepton number. It is found that there are three different lepton numbers,
one for e, µ and τ , which are separately conserved. T is the isospin, with T 3 the projection of the isospin on
the third axis, C the charmness, S the strangeness and B ∗ the bottomness. The anti particles have quantum
numbers with the opposite sign except for the total isospin T. The composition of (anti)quarks of the hadrons
is given in the following table, together with their mass in MeV in their ground state:

1
√
π0 2 2(uu+dd) 134.9764 J/Ψ cc 3096.8 Σ+ dds 1197.436
π+ ud 139.56995 Υ bb 9460.37 Ξ0 uss 1314.9
0
π− du 139.56995 p+ uud 938.27231 Ξ uss 1314.9
K0 sd 497.672 p− uud 938.27231 Ξ −
dss 1321.32
K0 ds 497.672 n0 udd 939.56563 Ξ+ dss 1321.32
K+ us 493.677 n0 udd 939.56563 Ω− sss 1672.45
K− su 493.677 Λ uds 1115.684 Ω+ sss 1672.45
D+ cd 1869.4 Λ uds 1115.684 Λ+c udc 2285.1
D− dc 1869.4 Σ+ uus 1189.37 ∆ 2− uuu 1232.0
D0 cu 1864.6 Σ− uus 1189.37 ∆ 2+ uuu 1232.0
D0 uc 1864.6 Σ0 uds 1192.55 ∆+ uud 1232.0
F+ cs 1969.0 Σ0 uds 1192.55 ∆0 udd 1232.0
F− sc 1969.0 Σ− dds 1197.436 ∆− ddd 1232.0
Each quark can exist in two spin states. So mesons are bosons with spin 0 or 1 in their ground state, while
baryons are fermions with spin 12 or 32 . There exist excited states with higher internal L. Neutrino’s have a
helicity of − 21 while antineutrino’s have only + 21 as possible value.
The quantum numbers are subject to conservation laws. These can be derived from symmetries in the La-
grange density: continuous symmetries give rise to additive conservation laws, discrete symmetries result in
multiplicative conservation laws.
Geometrical conservation laws are invariant under Lorentz transformations and the CPT-operation. These are:
1. Mass/energy because the laws of nature are invariant for translations in time.
92 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

2. Momentum because the laws of nature are invariant for translations in space.
3. Angular momentum because the laws of nature are invariant for rotations.
Dynamical conservation laws are invariant under the CPT-operation. These are:
1. Electrical charge because the Maxwell equations are invariant under gauge transformations.
2. Colour charge is conserved.
3. Isospin because QCD is invariant for rotations in T-space.
4. Baryon number and lepton number are conserved but not under a possible SU(5) symmetry of the laws
of nature.
5. Quarks type is only conserved under the colour interaction.
6. Parity is conserved except for weak interactions.
The elementary particles can be classified into three families:
leptons quarks antileptons antiquarks
− +
1st generation e d e d
νe u νe u
2nd generation µ− s µ+ s
νµ c νµ c
3rd generation τ− b τ+ b
ντ t ντ t
Quarks exist in three colours but because they are confined these colours cannot be seen directly. The color
force does not decrease with distance. The potential energy will become high enough to create a quark-
antiquark pair when it is tried to disjoin an (anti)quark from a hadron. This will result in two hadrons and not
in free quarks.

15.12 P and CP-violation

It is found that the weak interaction violates P-symmetry, and even CP-symmetry is not conserved. Some
processes which violate P symmetry but conserve the combination CP are:
1. µ-decay: µ− → e− + νµ + ν e . Left-handed electrons appear more than 1000× as much as right-handed
ones.
2. β-decay of spin-polarized 60 Co: 60 Co →60 Ni + e− + ν e . More electrons with a spin parallel to the Co
than with a spin antiparallel are created: (parallel−antiparallel)/(total)=20%.
3. There is no connection with the neutrino: the decay of the Λ particle through: Λ → p + + π − and
Λ → n0 + π 0 has also these properties.
The CP-symmetry was found to be violated by the decay of neutral Kaons. These are the lowest possible states
with a s-quark so they can decay only weakly. The following holds: C|K 0  = η|K0  where η is a phase factor.
Further holds P|K 0  = −|K0  because K0 and K0 have an intrinsic parity of −1. From this follows that K 0
and K0 are not eigenvalues of CP: CP|K 0  = |K0 . The linear combinations
√ √
|K01  := 12 2(|K0  + |K0 ) and |K02  := 12 2(|K0  − |K0 )

are eigenstates of CP: CP|K01  = +|K01  and CP|K02  = −|K02 . A base of K01 and K02 is practical while
describing weak interactions. For colour interactions a base of K 0 and K0 is practical because then the number
u−number u is constant. The expansion postulate must be used for weak decays:

|K0  = 12 (K01 |K0  + K02 |K0 )

Chapter 15: Quantum field theory & Particle physics 93

. 0 0/ 2
The. probability
/ to find a final state with CP= −1 is 2|
1
K2 |K | , the probability of CP=+1 decay is
1
2 | K 0
1 |K 0 2
| .
The relation between the mass eigenvalues of the quarks (unaccented) and the fields arising in the weak currents
(accented) is (u , c , t ) = (u, c, t), and:
      
d 1 0 0 1 0 0 cos θ1 sin θ1 0
 s  =  0 cos θ2 sin θ2   0 1 0   − sin θ1 cos θ1 0 

b 0 − sin θ2 cos θ2 0 0 eiδ 0 0 1
  
1 0 0 d
 0 cos θ3 sin θ3   s 
0 − sin θ3 cos θ3 b

θ1 ≡ θC is the Cabibbo angle: sin(θ C ) ≈ 0.23 ± 0.01.

15.13 The standard model

When one wants to make the Lagrange density which describes a field invariant for local gauge transformations
from a certain group, one has to perform the transformation
∂ D ∂ g
→ = − i Lk Akµ
∂xµ Dxµ ∂xµ h̄

Here the Lk are the generators of the gauge group (the “charges”) and the A kµ are the gauge fields. g is the
matching coupling constant. The Lagrange density for a scalar field becomes:

L = − 21 (Dµ Φ∗ Dµ Φ + M 2 Φ∗ Φ) − 14 Fµν
a
Faµν
a
and the field tensors are given by: F µν = ∂µ Aaν − ∂ν Aaµ + gcalm Alµ Am
ν .

15.13.1 The electroweak theory

The electroweak interaction arises from the necessity to keep the Lagrange density invariant for local gauge
transformations of the group SU(2)⊗U(1). Right- and left-handed spin states are treated different because the
weak interaction does not conserve parity. If a fifth Dirac matrix is defined by:
 
0 0 1 0
 0 0 0 1 
γ5 := γ1 γ2 γ3 γ4 = −   1 0 0 0 


0 1 0 0
the left- and right- handed solutions of the Dirac equation for neutrino’s are given by:

ψL = 12 (1 + γ5 )ψ and ψR = 12 (1 − γ5 )ψ

It appears that neutrino’s are always left-handed while antineutrino’s are always right-handed. The hypercharge
Y , for quarks given by Y = B + S + C + B ∗ + T , is defined by:

Q = 12 Y + T3

so [Y, Tk ] = 0. The group U(1) Y ⊗SU(2)T is taken as symmetry group for the electroweak interaction because
the generators of this group commute. The multiplets are classified as follows:
e−
R νeL e−
L uL dL uR dR
1 1
T 0 2 2 0 0
T3 0 1
2 − 1
2
1
2 − 1
2 0 0
Y −2 −1 1
3
4
3 − 23
94 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

Now, 1 field Bµ (x) is connected with gauge group U(1) and 3 gauge fields A  µ (x) are connected with SU(2).
The total Lagrange density (minus the fieldterms) for the electron-fermion field now becomes:




g 1 g ψνe,L
L0,EW = −(ψνe,L , ψeL )γ µ ∂µ − i A µ · ( 1
2 
σ ) − i
2 h̄ µB · (−1) −
h̄ ψeL


g
ψeR γ µ ∂µ − 12 i (−2)Bµ ψeR
h̄
Here, 12 σ are the generators of T and −1 and −2 the generators of Y .

15.13.2 Spontaneous symmetry breaking: the Higgs mechanism

All leptons are massless in the equations above. Their mass is probably generated by spontaneous symmetry
breaking. This means that the dynamic equations which describe the system have a symmetry which the ground
state does not have. It is assumed that there exists an isospin-doublet of scalar fields Φ with electrical charges
+1 and 0 and potential V (Φ) = −µ 2 Φ∗ Φ + λ(Φ∗ Φ)2 . Their antiparticles have charges −1 and 0. The extra
terms in L arising from these fields, L H = (DLµ Φ)∗ (DL µ
Φ) − V (Φ), are globally U(1)⊗SU(2) symmetric.
Hence the state with the lowest energy corresponds with the state Φ ∗ (x)Φ(x) = v = µ2 /2λ =constant.
The field√can be written (were ω ± and z are Nambu-Goldstone bosons which can be transformed away, and
mφ = µ 2) as:

+ 


Φ iω + √ 0√
Φ= = and 0|Φ|0 =
Φ0 (v + φ − iz)/ 2 v/ 2
Because this expectation value = 0 the SU(2) symmetry is broken but the U(1) symmetry is not. When the
gauge fields in the resulting Lagrange density are separated one obtains:
√ √
Wµ− = 12 2(A1µ + iA2µ ) , Wµ+ = 12 2(A1µ − iA2µ )
gA3µ − g  Bµ
Zµ =  ≡ A3µ cos(θW ) − Bµ sin(θW )
g 2 + g 2
g  A3µ + gBµ
Aµ =  ≡ A3µ sin(θW ) + Bµ cos(θW )
g 2 + g 2
where θW is called the Weinberg angle. For this angle holds: sin 2 (θW ) = 0.255 ± 0.010. Relations
 for the
masses of the field quanta can be obtained from the remaining terms: M W = 12 vg and MZ = 12 v g 2 + g 2 ,
gg 
and for the elementary charge holds: e =  = g  cos(θW ) = g sin(θW )
2
g +g 2

Experimentally it is found that M W = 80.022 ± 0.26 GeV/c2 and MZ = 91.187 ± 0.007 GeV/c2 . According
to the weak theory this should be: M W = 83.0 ± 0.24 GeV/c2 and MZ = 93.8 ± 2.0 GeV/c2 .

15.13.3 Quantumchromodynamics
Coloured particles interact because the Lagrange density is invariant for the transformations of the group SU(3)
of the colour interaction. A distinction can be made between two types of particles:
1. “White” particles: they have no colour charge, the generator T = 0.
2. “Coloured” particles: the generators T are 8 3 × 3 matrices. There exist three colours and three anti-
colours.
The Lagrange density for coloured particles is given by
 
LQCD = i Ψ k γ µ Dµ Ψ k + Ψk Mkl Ψl − 14 Fµν
a
Faµν
k k,l

The gluons remain massless because this Lagrange density does not contain spinless particles. Because left-
and right- handed quarks now belong to the same multiplet a mass term can be introduced. This term can be
brought in the form M kl = mk δkl .
Chapter 15: Quantum field theory & Particle physics 95

15.14 Path integrals

The development in time of a quantum mechanical system can, besides with Schrödingers equation, also be
described by a path integral (Feynman):

ψ(x , t ) = F (x , t , x, t)ψ(x, t)dx

in which F (x , t , x, t) is the amplitude of probability to find a system on time t  in x if it was in x on time t.
Then, 

iS[x]
F (x , t , x, t) = exp d[x]
h̄
"
where S[x] is an action-integral: S[x] = L(x, ẋ, t)dt. The notation d[x] means that the integral has to be
taken over all possible paths [x]:
 ∞ 
 
1 1 
d[x] := lim dx(tn )
n→∞ N
n
 
−∞

in which N is a normalization constant. To each path is assigned a probability amplitude exp(iS/h̄). The
classical limit can be found by taking δS = 0: the average of the exponent vanishes, except where it is
stationary. In quantum fieldtheory, the probability of the transition of a fieldoperator Φ(x, −∞) to Φ  (x, ∞)
is given by 

iS[Φ]
F (Φ (x, ∞), Φ(x, −∞)) = exp d[Φ]
h̄
with the action-integral 
S[Φ] = L(Φ, ∂ν Φ)d4 x
Ω

15.15 Unification and quantum gravity

The strength of the forces varies with energy and the reciprocal coupling constants approach each other with
increasing energy. The SU(5) model predicts complete unification of the electromagnetical, weak and colour
forces at 1015 GeV. It also predicts 12 extra X bosons which couple leptons and quarks and are i.g. responsible
for proton decay, with dominant channel p + → π 0 + e+ , with an average lifetime of the proton of 10 31 year.
This model has been experimentally falsified.
Supersymmetric models assume a symmetry between bosons and fermions and predict partners for the cur-
rently known particles with a spin which differs 12 . The supersymmetric SU(5) model predicts unification at
1016 GeV and an average lifetime of the proton of 10 33 year. The dominant decay channels in this theory are
p+ → K+ + ν µ and p+ → K0 + µ+ .
Quantum
 gravity plays only a role in particleinteractions at the Planck dimensions, where λ C ≈ RS : mPl =
hc/G = 3 · 1019 GeV, tPl = h/mPlc2 = hG/c5 = 10−43 sec and rPl = ctPl ≈ 10−35 m.
Chapter 16

Astrophysics

16.1 Determination of distances

The parallax is mostly used to determine distances in nearby space. The parallax is the angular difference
between two measurements of the position of the object from different view-points. If the annual parallax is
given by p, the distance R of the object is given by R = a/ sin(p), in which a is the radius of the Earth’s orbit.
The clusterparallax is used to determine the distance of a group of stars by using their motion w.r.t. a fixed
background. The tangential velocity v t and the radial velocity v r of the stars along the sky are given by

vr = V cos(θ) , vt = V sin(θ) = ωR
-5
where θ is the angle between the star and the point of convergence and R̂ the -4
distance in pc. This results, with v t = vr tan(θ), in: Type 1
M  -3
vr tan(θ) 1 -2
R= ⇒ R̂ = -1 Type 2
ω p
0
where p is the parallax in arc seconds. The parallax is then given by RR-Lyrae
1
0,1 0,3 1 3 10 30 100
4.74µ
p= P (days) →
vr tan(θ)

with µ de proper motion of the star in  /yr. A method to determine the distance of objects which are somewhat
further away, like galaxies and star clusters, uses the period-Brightness relation for Cepheids. This relation is
shown in the above figure for different types of stars.

16.2 Brightness and magnitudes

The brightness is the total radiated energy per unit of time. Earth receives s 0 = 1.374 kW/m2 from the Sun.
Hence, the brightness of the Sun is given by L  = 4πr2 s0 = 3.82 · 1026 W. It is also given by:
∞
2
L = 4πR πFν dν
0

where πFν is the monochromatic radiation flux. At the position of an observer this is πf ν , with fν = (R/r)2 Fν
if absorption is ignored. If A ν is the fraction of the flux which reaches Earth’s surface, the transmission factor
is given by Rν and the surface of the detector is given by πa 2 , then the apparent brightness b is given by:
∞
2
b = πa fν Aν Rν dν
0

The magnitude m is defined by:

b1 1
= (100) 5 (m2 −m1 ) = (2.512)m2 −m1
b2
Chapter 16: Astrophysics 97

because the human eye perceives lightintensities logaritmical. From this follows that m 2 − m1 = 2.5 ·10
log(b1 /b2 ), or: m = −2.5 ·10 log(b) + C. The apparent brightness of a star if this star would be at a distance
of 10 pc is called the absolute brightness B: B/b = (r̂/10) 2 . The absolute magnitude is then given by
M = −2.5 ·10 log(B) + C, or: M = 5 + m − 5 ·10 log(r̂). When an interstellar absorption of 10 −4 /pc is taken
into account one finds:
M = (m − 4 · 10−4 r̂) + 5 − 5 ·10 log(r̂)
If a detector detects all radiation emitted by a source one would measure the absolute bolometric magnitude.
If the bolometric correction BC is given by


" 
Energy flux received fν dν
BC = 2.5 ·10 log = 2.5 ·10 log "
Energy flux detected fν Aν Rν dν

holds: Mb = MV − BC where MV is the visual magnitude. Further holds


L
Mb = −2.5 · log
10
+ 4.72
L

16.3 Radiation and stellar atmospheres

The radiation energy passing through a surface dA is dE = I ν (θ, ϕ) cos(θ)dνdΩdAdt, where Iµ is the
monochromatical intensity [Wm −2 sr−1 Hz−1 ]. When there is no absorption the quantity I ν is independent
of the distance to the source. Planck’s law holds for a black body:

c 2hν 3 1
Iν (T ) ≡ Bν (T ) = wν (T ) = 2
4π c exp(hν/kT ) − 1
The radiation transport through a layer can then be written as:
dIν
= −Iν κν + jν
ds
"
Here, jν is the coefficient of emission and κ ν the coefficient
" of absorption. ds is the thickness of the layer.
The optical thickness τ ν of the layer is given by τ ν = κν ds. The layer is optically thin if τ ν  1, the layer
is optically thick if τν  1. For a stellar atmosphere in LTE holds: j ν = κν Bν (T ). Then also holds:

Iν (s) = Iν (0)e−τν + Bν (T )(1 − e−τν )

16.4 Composition and evolution of stars

The structure of a star is described by the following equations:
dM (r)
= 4π3(r)r2
dr
dp(r) GM (r)3(r)
= −
dr r2
L(r)
= 4π3(r)ε(r)r2

dr
dT (r) 3 L(r) κ(r)
= − , (Eddington), or
dr 4 4πr2 4σT 3 (r)

 rad
dT (r) T (r) γ − 1 dp(r)
= , (convective energy transport)
dr conv p(r) γ dr

Further, for stars of the solar type, the composing plasma can be described as an ideal gas:
3(r)kT (r)
p(r) =
µmH
98 Physics Formulary by ir. J.C.A. Wevers

where µ is the average molecular mass, usually well approximated by:

3 1
µ= =
nmH 2X + 4 Y + 12 Z
3

where X is the mass fraction of H, Y the mass fraction of He and Z the mass fraction of the other elements.
Further holds:

κ(r) = f (3(r), T (r), composition) and ε(r) = g(3(r), T (r), composition)

Convection will occur when the star meets the Schwartzschild criterium:



dT dT
<
dr conv dr rad

Otherwise the energy transfer takes place by radiation. For stars in quasi-hydrostatic equilibrium hold the
approximations r = 12 R, M (r) = 12 M , dM/dr = M/R, κ ∼ 3 and ε ∼ 3T µ (this last assumption is only
valid for stars on the main sequence). For pp-chains holds µ ≈ 5 and for the CNO chains holds µ = 12 tot 18.
It can be derived that L ∼ M 3 : the mass-brightness relation. Further holds: L ∼ R 4 ∼ Teff
8
. This results in
the equation for the main sequence in the Hertzsprung-Russel diagram:
10
log(L) = 8 ·10 log(Teff ) + constant

16.5 Energy production in stars

The net reaction from which most stars gain their energy is: 4 1 H → 4 He + 2e+ + 2νe + γ.
This reaction produces 26.72 MeV. Two reaction chains are responsible for this reaction. The slowest, speed-
limiting reaction is shown in boldface. The energy between brackets is the energy carried away by the neutrino.
1. The proton-proton chain can be divided into two subchains:
1
H + p+ → 2 D + e+ + νe , and then 2 D + p → 3 He + γ.
I. pp1: 3 He +3 He → 2p+ + 4 He. There is 26.21 + (0.51) MeV released.
II. pp2: 3 He + α → 7 Be + γ
i. 7 Be + e− → 7 Li + ν, then 7 Li + p+ → 24 He + γ. 25.92 + (0.80) MeV.
ii. 7 Be + p+ → 8 B + γ, then 8 B + e+ → 24 He + ν. 19.5 + (7.2) MeV.
Both 7 Be chains become more important with raising T .
2. The CNO cycle. The first chain releases 25.03 + (1.69) MeV, the second 24.74 + (1.98) MeV. The
reactions are shown below.
−→ 3
4 → 15
N + p+ → α +12 C 15
N + p+ → 16 O + γ
↓ ↓
15
O + e+ → 15
N+ν 12
C + p+ → 13 N + γ 16
O + p+ → 17 F + γ
↑ ↓ ↓
14
N + p+ → 15
O+γ 13
N → 13 C + e+ + ν 17
F → 17 O + e+ + ν
↓ ↓
6 ← 13
C + p+ → 14 N + γ 17
O + p+ → α + 14 N
←− 7
The ∇ operator 99

The ∇-operator
In cartesian coordinates (x, y, z) holds:

 = ∂ ex + ∂ ey + ∂ ez , gradf = ∇f

∇  = ∂f ex + ∂f ey + ∂f ez
∂x ∂y ∂z ∂x ∂y ∂z
∂ax ∂ay ∂az ∂2f ∂2f ∂2f
 · a =
div a = ∇ + + , ∇2 f = 2
+ 2 + 2
∂x ∂y ∂z ∂x ∂y ∂z




∂az ∂ay ∂ax ∂az ∂ay ∂ax

rot a = ∇ × a = − ex + − ey + − ez
∂y ∂z ∂z ∂x ∂x ∂y
In cylinder coordinates (r, ϕ, z) holds:

 = ∂ er + 1 ∂ eϕ + ∂ ez , gradf = ∂f er + 1 ∂f eϕ + ∂f ez

∇
∂r r ∂ϕ ∂z ∂r r ∂ϕ ∂z
∂ar ar 1 ∂aϕ ∂az ∂2f 1 ∂f 1 ∂2f ∂2f
div a = + + + , ∇2 f = 2
+ + 2 2
+ 2
∂r r r ∂ϕ ∂z ∂r r ∂r r ∂ϕ ∂z




1 ∂az ∂aϕ ∂ar ∂az ∂aϕ aϕ 1 ∂ar
rot a = − er + − eϕ + + − ez
r ∂ϕ ∂z ∂z ∂r ∂r r r ∂ϕ
In spherical coordinates (r, θ, ϕ) holds:
∂ 1 ∂ 1 ∂
 =
∇ er + eθ + eϕ
∂r r ∂θ r sin θ ∂ϕ
∂f 1 ∂f 1 ∂f
gradf = er + eθ + eϕ
∂r r ∂θ r sin θ ∂ϕ
∂ar 2ar 1 ∂aθ aθ 1 ∂aϕ
div a = + + + +
∂r r r ∂θ r tan θ r sin θ ∂ϕ



1 ∂aϕ aθ 1 ∂aθ 1 ∂ar ∂aϕ aϕ
rot a = + − er + − − eθ +
r ∂θ r tan θ r sin θ ∂ϕ r sin θ ∂ϕ ∂r r


∂aθ aθ 1 ∂ar
+ − eϕ
∂r r r ∂θ
∂2f 2 ∂f 1 ∂2f 1 ∂f 1 ∂2f
∇2 f = + + + +
∂r2 r ∂r r2 ∂θ2 r2 tan θ ∂θ r2 sin2 θ ∂ϕ2
General orthonormal curvelinear coordinates (u, v, w) can be obtained from cartesian coordinates by the trans-
formation x = x(u, v, w). The unit vectors are then given by:
1 ∂x 1 ∂x 1 ∂x
eu = , ev = , ew =
h1 ∂u h2 ∂v h3 ∂w
where the factors h i set the norm to 1. Then holds:
1 ∂f 1 ∂f 1 ∂f
gradf = eu + ev + ew
h1 ∂u h ∂v h3 ∂w

2 
1 ∂ ∂ ∂
div a = (h2 h3 au ) + (h3 h1 av ) + (h1 h2 aw )
h1 h2 h3 ∂u ∂v ∂w



1 ∂(h3 aw ) ∂(h2 av ) 1 ∂(h1 au ) ∂(h3 aw )
rot a = − eu + − ev +
h2 h3 ∂v ∂w h3 h1 ∂w ∂u


1 ∂(h2 av ) ∂(h1 au )
− ew
h1 h2 ∂u ∂v




1 ∂ h2 h3 ∂f ∂ h3 h1 ∂f ∂ h1 h2 ∂f
∇2 f = + +
h1 h2 h3 ∂u h1 ∂u ∂v h2 ∂v ∂w h3 ∂w
100 The SI units

The SI units
Basic units Derived units with special names
Quantity Unit Sym. Quantity Unit Sym. Derivation
Length metre m Frequency hertz Hz s −1
Mass kilogram kg Force newton N kg · m · s −2
Time second s Pressure pascal Pa N · m−2
Therm. temp. kelvin K Energy joule J N·m
Electr. current ampere A Power watt W J · s−1
Luminous intens. candela cd Charge coulomb C A·s
Amount of subst. mol mol El. Potential volt V W · A−1
El. Capacitance farad F C · V −1
Extra units El. Resistance ohm Ω V · A−1
Plane angle radian rad El. Conductance siemens S A · V −1
solid angle sterradian sr Mag. flux weber Wb V·s
Mag. flux density tesla T Wb · m −2
Inductance henry H Wb · A −1
Luminous flux lumen lm cd · sr
Illuminance lux lx lm · m −2
Activity bequerel Bq s −1
Absorbed dose gray Gy J · kg −1
Dose equivalent sievert Sv J · kg −1

Prefixes
yotta Y 1024 giga G 109 deci d 10−1 pico p 10−12
zetta Z 1021 mega M 106 centi c 10−2 femto f 10−15
exa E 1018 kilo k 103 milli m 10−3 atto a 10−18
peta P 1015 hecto h 102 micro µ 10−6 zepto z 10−21
tera T 1012 deca da 10 nano n 10 −9 yocto y 10 −24