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Issue 1, 2026
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From the history of physics


Old quantum mechanics by Bohr and Sommerfeld from modern perspective

†  a, ‡  b, §  c
a Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Stony Brook University, New York, New York, USA
b Landeshauptstadt München, Referat für Bildung und Sport, Seminar TMG Universität, Drygalski Allee 2, 81477, München, 11794-3600, Germany
c School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 871804, Tempe, AZ, 85287-1804, USA

We review Bohr's atomic model and its extension by Sommerfeld from a mathematical perspective of wave mechanics. The derivation of quantization rules and energy levels is revisited using semiclassical methods. Sommerfeld-type integrals are evaluated by elementary techniques, and connections with the Schrödinger and Dirac equations are established. Historical developments and key transitions from classical to quantum theory are discussed to clarify the structure and significance of the old quantum mechanics.

Typically, an English full text is available in about 1 month from the date of publication of the original article.

Keywords: Bohr's atomic model, Bohr—Sommerfeld quantization rule, Schrödinger equation, Dirac equation, WKB method, fine structure formula, Sommerfeld puzzle, computer algebra system: Mathematica, transuranic elements
PACS: 01.65.+g, 02.70.−c, 03.65.−w (all)
DOI: 10.3367/UFNe.2025.08.040014
URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2026/1/e/
Citation: Barley K, Ruffing A, Suslov S K "Old quantum mechanics by Bohr and Sommerfeld from modern perspective" Phys. Usp. 69 (1) (2026)

Received: 3rd, July 2025, 15th, August 2025

Оригинал: Барли К, Руффинг А, Суслов С К «Старая квантовая механика Бора и Зоммерфельда с современной точки зрения» УФН 196 83–103 (2026); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.2025.08.040014

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