Nature Vol. 283 28 February 1980 887 recombination and attachment processes), processes in the ionosphere) are of highest Atomic collisions collisions between neutral atomic and pedagogical standard. As an introduction molecular systems, ion-atom collisions, the book represents without any doubt a photoionisation of atoms and molecules, break-through; it will be a challenge and H. Kleinpoppen and photodetachment of negative atomic precedent for future authors. This is the and molecular ions. The last chapter deals more important as the research field of Atomic and Molecular Collisions. By with atomic collisions in the Earth's atomic collisions is still in an explosive Harrie Massey. Pp.309. (Taylor and atmosphere, the solar corona and state: new exciting results from atomic Francis: Basingstoke, UK, 1979.) £12. interplanetary space. Seven appendices angular correlations, from spin effects in supplement information mainly on electron-atom scattering, and from experimental technology. collisions with laser excited atoms will soon Each chapter, each section and even each require new editions of introductory AT LAST, one can say, there is an line of the book is excellent, and it reveals textbooks. Sir Harrie has paved the way (as introductory authoritative text book the great devotion (and love) of Sir Harrie he often did in research) for such future available on atomic and molecular to the field of atomic collisions. The tasks. 0 collisions. The author, Sir Harrie Massey, detailed discussions on selected topics (for the grand old master and pioneer in the example, the Ramsauer-Townsend effect, field, has written this introductory book the glory and rainbow structure in atom­ H. Kleinpoppen is Director of the Institute of shortly after the completion of the atom collisions, or the selected collision Atomic , University of Stirling. UK. monumental and comprehensive mono­ graphs on atomic collisions (edited by him and his colleagues). The introductory book is suitable both for experts and non-experts in the field and particularly for under­ graduate students. The book fills a gap and of these techniques to socially vital will certainly be welcomed by the scientific Nuclear problems. community. physics However. Professor Burcham's latest The difficulties in preparing an textbook is not concerned with the introduction to atomic collisions mainly practical applications of nuclear physics; it result from the nature of the subject. While ' 1.M. Reid sets out to provide a description of the introductory textbooks on solid-state present state of nuclear structure physics or atomic spectroscopy, for measurements and to demonstrate what example, can be restricted to the selection Elements of Nuclear Physics. By W.E. can be learned by the application of of stationary physical processes (which are Burcham. Pp.422. (Longman: Harlow, quantum mechanics to nuclear models. A dealt with by stationary quantum me­ UK, 1979.) £7.95. previous well founded knowledge of chanical formalism), atomic collisions , relativity and quantum require dynamical methods and theory and some acquaintance with the approximations over a wide range of rudiments of nuclear physics are required applications. Even for the simplest THE accommodation of a rapidly for maximum benefit to be obtained from colliding system such as scattering between expanding subject is a constant problem in this book, as the containment of the electrons and atomic hydrogen no exact the construction of undergraduate course material within the limits of a single volume theoretical solutions are available. It was syllabuses. The problem has been is achieved by very compressed treatment not possible to include sophisticated particularly severe in the case of nuclear of matters assumed covered in earlier problems of atomic collision theory in an physics over the past decade. The generally courses. Space is thus gained for a introductory text book. The book does accepted separation of elementary particles thorough treatment of the single particle contain a discussion and interpretation of (or high energy physics) as a subject in its shell model, the collective model and the the collision data required to develop basic own right has not produced any long-term unified model. The final three chapters in concepts of quantum mechanics such as amelioration in the face of the constant which the whole field is reviewed from the particles and waves and their dualism, the ferment of new ideas and approaches in standpoint of the electromagnetic, the uncertainty principle, and the quantum both the low and high energy fields. weak and the strong interactions are mechanical description of scattering cross Defined by the author of the volume under particularly valuable. A generous supply of sections. Chapters on such topics include review as "the understanding of the nature numerical problems is included chapter by elementary descriptions of atomic and of matter at a level deeper than that of the chapter and the solutions of a selected molecular structure. Appropriate electronic structure of atoms, molecules number of these are given in an appendix. experimental technology has been ex­ and solids but not so deep as that of the The final-year undergraduates for whom plained within the main text. Only a limited particle structure of the proton and the the book is designed will in no sense find selection of topics on atomic collisions ", nuclear physics must always this an easy text. Those among them who could be considered in this type of book. find a place in some form in any course have postgraduate research ambitions will Nevertheless, the author has covered a claiming to span matter from the macro to find it an excellent base on which their broad range of the large field of atomic and the micro level. The case for the study of future studies in nuclear or elementary molecular collisions and he has succeeded the subject on the grounds of its practical can be securely built. In in exposing the full scope of the subject. It applications has changed dramatically fact for several years to come the text is obvious that the selection and detailed from the time of its emergence from the should be suitable reading for discussion of these most interesting topics shadow of restricted work on nuclear based postgraduate courses in the field . The reflect the mastery and long experience of weapons in 1945. It was then, volume is put together with the neatness the author as one of the pioneers in the optimistically, to understand the processes and the authority to be expected from an field. The order of the topics of the book about to provide a solution to the world's experienced and respected practitioner in follows the traditional scheme, which is recognised energy problems. Today the this area of research. 0 mainly guided by selecting projectiles and case might be to provide a background atomic and molecular targets: elastic and understanding of the use of nuclear inelastic electron-atom scattering techniques in order to circumscribe the J. M. Reid is Professor ofNatural Philosophy in (including resonance effects, capture, risks involved in the reluctant application the University of Glasgow, UK.

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