Quantum states, energy levels and wave functions

Quantum states, energy levels and wave functions 

Any atomic (or molecular) system can be represented by a quantum mechanical wave function that describes the probability distribution of its constituent electrons. The shape of this electron cloud reflects the symmetry of the system of which it is a part. An electromagnetic or Ught/photon field will distort this electron cloud in the direction of the field, constituting an interaction. 

The simplest such quantum system is the hydrogen atom, consisting of only one electron in the 

Note that in atomic systems with more than one valence electron the individual angular momentum vectors are summed up (L = Y jii, S = and J =L + S)to yield the total system quantum number L, S, J, Ml, Ms and Mj. 

Laser Chemistry Spectroscopy, Dynamics and Applications Helmut H. Telle, Angel Gonzalez Urena Robert J. Donovan 2007 John Wiley Sons, Ltd ISBN 978-0-471-48570-4 (HB) ISBN 978-0-471-48571-1 (PB) 

---