Electric dipole transition between hyperfine levels of the ground state

[wdlang]

microwave can be used to engineering potentials for alkali atoms

i find that in the literature, people only take the magnetic dipole transition into account

why the electric dipole transition is neglected?

is it forbidden?

 

[genneth]

The hyperfine levels are coupled by magnetic transitions, not electric ones.

 

[charng]

I would like to address the content regarding the use of microwaves for engineering potentials for alkali atoms. While it is true that the literature often focuses on the magnetic dipole transition, the electric dipole transition between hyperfine levels of the ground state should not be neglected. This transition is not forbidden and can be significant in certain experimental setups. It is important to consider both types of dipole transitions in order to accurately understand and manipulate the behavior of alkali atoms. Further research and experimentation should be conducted to fully understand the potential of using microwaves for engineering potentials in alkali atoms, taking into account both the magnetic and electric dipole transitions.