Chapter 7. Quantum Electrodynamics
Published Online: 22 JUN 2009
DOI: 10.1002/9783527627486.ch7
Copyright © 2009 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA
Book Title
Relativistic Quantum Chemistry: The Fundamental Theory of Molecular Science
Additional Information
How to Cite
Reiher, M. and Wolf, A. (2009) Quantum Electrodynamics, in Relativistic Quantum Chemistry: The Fundamental Theory of Molecular Science, Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim, Germany. doi: 10.1002/9783527627486.ch7
Publication History
- Published Online: 22 JUN 2009
- Published Print: 14 JAN 2009
ISBN Information
Print ISBN: 9783527312924
Online ISBN: 9783527627486
- Summary
- Chapter
Keywords:
- quantum electrodynamics;
- elementary quantities;
- notation;
- classical Hamiltonian description;
- second-quantized field-theoretical formulation;
- atom description;
- molecule description
Summary
Quantum electrodynamics is the fundamental physical theory which obeys the principles of special relativity and allows us to describe the mutual interactions of electrons and photons. It is intrinsically a many-particle theory, though much too complicated from a numerical point of view to be the basis for the theoretical framework of the molecular sciences. Nonetheless, it is the basic theory of chemistry and its essential concepts, and ingredients are introduced in this chapter.