Old quantum mechanics by Bohr and Sommerfeld from a modern perspective
K. Barleya,
A. Ruffingb,
S.K. Suslovc aDepartment of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Stony Brook University, New York, New York, USA bLandeshauptstadt München, Referat für Bildung und Sport, Seminar TMG Universität, Drygalski Allee 2, 81477, München, 11794-3600, Germany cSchool 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 Schrodinger 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.
Keywords: Bohr model, Bohr—Sommerfeld quantization rule, Schrodinger equation, Dirac equation, WKB method, fine structure formula, Sommerfeld puzzle DOI: Citation: Barley K, Ruffing A, Suslov S K "Old quantum mechanics by Bohr and Sommerfeld from a modern perspective" Phys. Usp., accepted
Received: 3rd, July 2025, accepted: 15th, August 2025