Parity and time-reversal violation in atoms and molecules

Abstract

A birds eye view of the whole field of parity non-conservation in atoms and molecules is presented. Parity non-conservation with time-reversal violation is treated on the same basis as parity non-conservation without time-reversal violation. A circular approach is adopted, starting with elementary particle ideas, moving through the various levels of atomic structure to the observable phenomena. The atomic theory of those phenomena for which there are serious experimental results are available is discussed in more detail and the results and elementary particle implications indicated. A brief discussion of future prospects concludes the review.