Trying to find references for polarization effect of Normal Zeeman Effect

Ashuron

Hi,

I am trying to find a resource that can explain how σ and ∏ lines obtain their polarizations.
I have not found resource that actually show the calculation or solid explanation that show this.The references are usually state that σ and ∏ have circular polarization and linear polarization respectively. But they did not explain why, assume that it is a given fact.

Some resources in the internet seems to explain this by conservation of angular momentum J. Since in Normal Zeeman Effect S=0 for both states involved in the transition, L is conserved. So, the resources reasoned that for Δml=1,-1 , a photon with spin 1 or -1 will be produced. They correspond to left and right circularly polarized light. For Δml=o, they state that there will be equal amount of photon with spin 1 and -1. This corresponds to a linearly polarized light. It seems a lot of hand waving argument.

I have checked some textbooks like Fowles' Modern Optics. It has 2 pages explanation with pictures. It interpret the transition as an oscillating dipole. The example discussed 1s and 2p transitions of Hydrogen atoms. The book do not give any calculation. I also prefer to have an explanation how to apply the explanation for different orbitals, not only 1s and 2p transitions.

Rooted

Hi, I had a similar problem finding references for this previously. I don't think I ever found an explanation for it other than the hand wavey stuff. I'll have a look back at my report and let you know if I find anything.

Ashuron

Actually the QM textbook by cohen tannoudji has some mathematical explanation.
But it's a bit beyond me.

Rooted

I think this was the most useful thing I found, but I still don't really get it. It doesn't actually explain why the polarisation happens either.
www.unc.edu/~mgood/research/Zeeman_Effect.doc

It looks like all my other web links have expired or moved, other than this one. I think I gave up at this point!
http://www.tcd.ie/Physics/people/Pet..._lecture12.ppt

Ashuron

Thx a lot.