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vrinda mukund
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Can somebody please explain how electron impact can cause optically forbidden transitions in atoms and molecules ?
An optically forbidden state is a state in an atom or molecule where the excitation of an electron to a higher energy level is not allowed by the selection rules of quantum mechanics. This means that the transition from the ground state to the higher energy state cannot occur through the absorption or emission of photons, making the state "forbidden" from an optical perspective.
An atom or molecule can be excited to an optically forbidden state through non-optical means, such as collisions with other particles or through the application of an external electric or magnetic field. These processes can cause a change in energy levels without the need for photon absorption or emission.
Optically forbidden states typically have a longer lifetime compared to optically allowed states, as there is no mechanism for the electron to return to the ground state through photon emission. They also have lower transition probabilities, meaning that they are less likely to be excited or de-excited compared to optically allowed states.
The presence of optically forbidden states can be detected through spectroscopy techniques, such as laser-induced fluorescence or Raman scattering. These methods can provide information about the energy levels and transition probabilities of a molecule, revealing the presence of optically forbidden states.
Optically forbidden states have been studied for their potential applications in areas such as laser technology, optical data storage, and quantum computing. The long lifetime and low transition probabilities of these states make them useful for manipulating and storing information, and their unique properties can also lead to the development of new technologies.