- #1
Chaosmarch
- 7
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The transition in the n=2 state of Helium from 3P1 (m=0) to 3S1 (m=0) is forbidden. I know this, because I went to a lecture where a group measured the fine structure constant very precisely using this fact. However, as far as I can see, according to atomic selection rules (available here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selection_rule#Summary_table) this should be a perfectly acceptable E1 transition. Can anyone explain why this transition is forbidden?
For reference, the 3P1 (m=0) to 3S1 (m=+/-1) transition is allowed.
For reference, the 3P1 (m=0) to 3S1 (m=+/-1) transition is allowed.