Non Zeeman spectrum broadening in magnetic field

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects that can broaden a spectral line in a magnetic field, specifically exploring whether there are phenomena beyond the Zeeman effect that contribute to this broadening. The scope includes theoretical considerations and potential experimental implications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the Zeeman effect is solely responsible for spectral line broadening, suggesting that it primarily causes shifts and splits rather than broadening.
  • One participant proposes that there may be a form of broadening that occurs before the splitting is observable.
  • The Stark effect is mentioned as a phenomenon that causes splitting in spectral lines due to an electric field, although its relevance to magnetic fields is not established in the discussion.
  • Another participant introduces the idea of Doppler broadening resulting from random atomic motions, indicating that this effect can complicate Zeeman measurements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the Zeeman effect can cause broadening or if other effects are involved. Multiple competing views remain regarding the nature of spectral line broadening in magnetic fields.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the specific conditions under which these effects may occur or how they interact with each other. There are also unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of broadening and splitting in the context of spectral lines.

hadoque
Messages
39
Reaction score
1
Hi
Is there any other effect than the Zeeman effect that can broaden a spectral line in a magnetic field?

/Johan
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I thought the Zeeman effect only shifts and splits but didn't broaden.
 
I guess you could say it is broadening before you can see the split...
 
The Stark effect is a splitting of the spectral lines that takes place in an electric field.
 
hadoque said:
Hi
Is there any other effect than the Zeeman effect that can broaden a spectral line in a magnetic field?

/Johan

Sure; Doppler broadening due to random atomic motions in the sample can interfere with Zeeman measurments in many cases.

///
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Undergrad Why normal Zeeman effect contains three components?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Graduate Zeeman energy with an effective mass
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Does the magnetic field decrease in a Zeeman slower as atoms slow down?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate Why does the anomalous Zeeman effect not show up on some atoms?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Undergrad Questions on the classical interpretation of (normal) Zeeman effect
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Do All Images with Applied Current Show the Normal Zeeman Effect?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Graduate Understanding Landau Level Broadening in Magnetic Fields
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
6K
Undergrad Magnetic Resonance physics question: RF pulse role and 'in-phase'
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Graduate Understanding the Zeeman Effect: Internal, External, or Static?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Graduate Magnetocaloric effect and electron energy levels
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K