The richly illustrated book comprehensively explains the important principles of diatomic and polyatomic molecules and their spectra in two separate, distinct parts. The first part concentrates on the theoretical aspects of molecular physics, such as the vibration, rotation, electronic states, potential curves, and spectra of molecules. The different methods of approximation for the calculation of electronic wave functions and their energy are also covered. The introduction of basics terms used in group theory and their meaning in molecular physics enables an elegant description of polyatomic molecules and their symmetries. Molecular spectra and the dynamic processes involved in their excited states are given its own chapter. The theoretical part then concludes with a discussion of the field of Van der Waals molecules and clusters.
The second part is devoted entirely to experimental techniques, such as laser, Fourier, NMR, and ESR spectroscopies, used in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, and material science. Time-resolved measurements and the influence of chemical reactions by coherent controls are also treated. A list of general textbooks and specialized literature is provided for further reading.
With specific examples, definitions, and notes integrated within the text to aid understanding, this is suitable for undergraduates and graduates in physics and chemistry with a knowledge of atomic physics and familiar with the basics of quantum mechanics.

Laser Spectroscopy - in this second enlarged edition - provides an introduction to modern techniques and instrumentation in laser spectroscopy. The first part, which discusses the basic concepts of absorption and emission of light, the spectroscopic instrumentation for wavelength measurements and detection of light, and the spectroscopic properties of lasers, is a textbook for graduate students. The second part gives a survey on different techniques of laser spectroscopy and their applications, with ample references to the original literature. This book helps close the gap between classical works on optics and spectroscopy, and more specialized publications on modern research in this field. It is addressed to graduate students in physics and chemistry as well as scientists just entering this field on research.