How to Determine Parameters for Hydrogen Transition Probability?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a hydrogen atom in a specific quantum state subjected to a weak and uniform electric field between capacitor plates. The goal is to determine the parameters of the potential related to the transition probability to n=2 states, given a specific transition probability value.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the nature of the potential and its relation to the electric field, questioning whether it should be proportional to r or r cos θ. There is also a focus on how to derive three parameters from a single equation, with some expressing confusion about the implications of weak electric fields and the transition probabilities.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing with various perspectives being explored. Some participants suggest specific parameter values while others express uncertainty about the feasibility of determining three parameters from the given equation. Guidance has been offered regarding the direction of the electric field and its impact on transition states.

Contextual Notes

Participants note constraints such as the requirement for the transition probability to equal 0.1 and the implications of the electric field being weak. There is also mention of the potential's dependence on the direction of the electric field and the quantum states involved.

svletana
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Hello! I have the following problem I'm trying to solve:

Homework Statement


An Hydrogen atom in the state |100> is found between the plates of a capacitor, where the electric field (weak and uniform) is: E(t) = \epsilon e^{-\alpha t / \tau}.

Calculate the parameters of the potential (\epsilon, \alpha, \tau) so that for a time t \gg \tau the transition probability to any of the n=2 states is equal to 0.1.

Homework Equations


The field is asumed to be in an arbitrary r = (x,y,z) direction, so that W = \epsilon e^{-\alpha t / \tau} r.

The formula for transition probability is (using atomic units):
P = \left| \int_0^{T \gg \tau} e^{i \omega t} <100 | r | 21m> \epsilon e^{-\alpha t / \tau}dt \right|^2

where \omega = \frac{E_{21m} - E_{100}}{\hbar} = \frac{-3}{4}.

For the <100|r|21m> elements we have the results, for each m:
<100|r|200> = 0
<100|r|210> = \frac{2^7 \sqrt{2} \hat{z}}{3^5}
<100|r|21\pm1> = \frac{2^7}{3^5}(\mp\hat{x} - i\hat{y})

The Attempt at a Solution


I solved the integral for an arbitrary m and l=1, calling the result of the <100|r|21m>=\gamma. Since it does not depend on t we can take it out of the integral along with all the constants. The integral is then:

P = \gamma^2 \epsilon^2 \left| \int_0^{T \gg \tau} e^{-\left( \frac{3i}{4} + \frac{\alpha}{\tau}\right)t} dt \right|^2

For which I solved and took the limit T \rightarrow \infty and got the result:

\frac{\gamma^2 \epsilon^2}{\frac{9}{16} + \frac{\alpha^2}{\tau^2}}

Now, \gamma^2 = \frac{2^{15}}{3^{10}} for any value of m. And that result must be equal to 0.1 according to the guidelines.

I don't see how I could possibly calculate 3 parameters from this equation, what am I missing? Thanks in advance!
 
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Not that this is that much help but shouldn't the potential be proportional to r \cos \theta not r? With this you get zero for m=-1, but the same otherwise.
 
Dazed&Confused said:
Not that this is that much help but shouldn't the potential be proportional to r \cos \theta not r? With this you get zero for m=-1, but the same otherwise.

Sorry, r would be a vector, for example r = xî + yĵ + zk, so you could have it in any of the three directions.
 
Ah ok. It's just I would have thought you take the inner product of the potential, that is, the potential is your operator.
 
I just talked to my teacher and he said that i should choose the field going in the z direction so the only transition possible is to the |210> state and then choose parameters that would fit the problem... Guess that settles it :P
 
But I'm also not sure how you can get 3 parameters from one equation. It is strange that it says for any n=2 state though, when at least if l=1, m=0, you got 0 as the probability. Also perhaps that the electric field is weak needs to be employed.
 
Well that's what I did, hence z = r \cos \theta, however to me that didn't give an obvious solution.
 
Would the parameters \alpha = 3.67 \times 10^7, \epsilon = 1.93 \times 10^{11} \frac{V}{m} and \tau = 1.109 \times 10^{-9} seconds work?

I had in mind that it would have to be an electric field strong enough to make the transition but not so big so hydrogen is ionized, a value of \tau around the value of the half life for that transition, and calculating \alpha with those two and the expression.
 
That sounds reasonable. The wording of question doesn't imply you have some freedom in choosing your parameters, but since the number of equations is under determined I would say you are likely right.
 
  • #10
Yeah I only really found out because I emailed my teacher asking how would I get 3 parameters from one equation, but that's exactly what he wrote...

Thanks for your help! :)
 

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