Paschen notation for electronic states of Argon atom

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Paschen notation used to describe the excited states of the Argon atom, specifically in the context of j,l coupling represented as (2s+1)[K]J. Participants clarify that the notation follows the format nl# (e.g., 2p10), where n is the principal quantum number and l is the orbital quantum number. The subscript # serves as a label for each state associated with specific n and l values, although the exact labeling order remains ambiguous. The conversation concludes with a participant sharing a summary of Racah and Paschen notations to aid others with similar inquiries.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly quantum numbers.
  • Familiarity with j,l coupling in atomic physics.
  • Knowledge of the Argon atom's electronic structure.
  • Basic comprehension of atomic notation systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the detailed structure of j,l coupling in atomic physics.
  • Study the Racah notation and its applications in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore the significance of quantum numbers in atomic transitions.
  • Investigate the historical context and development of Paschen notation.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in atomic physics, particularly those studying electronic states and quantum mechanics, will benefit from this discussion.

goodphy
Messages
212
Reaction score
8
Hello.

I think excited states of Argon atom is described by j,l coupling written as (2s+1)[K]J.

However, when I read some papers describing cross section data for Argon atom, data are quoted with strange notation, Paschen notation. I tried to study the Paschen notation and found that its form is like nl# (ex: 2p10). n and l here are principal and orbital quantum number for an excited electron. Okay, that's easy. However, I really can't exactly figure out what subscript number # means! I just guess that this number is just a label of each state associated with particular n and l. However...which state is labeled 10? which state is 9? which state is 8??

Could you tell me what labeling order is used in the Paschen notation? I would be very happy if you give me a detailed description of the notation or any good material well describing the notation.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There is a thing that I was wrong in my question. In the Paschen notation nl#, n is even not same to the principle quantum number of the excited electron! So, I have to ask additional question of what n really is. The Paschen notation really makes me crazy.
 
Hello.

I think I finally get an answer to the question.

I'm uploading my summary of Racah and Paschen notations here everyone having the same question will benefit from it.
 

Attachments

Similar threads

Graduate Paschen notation in atomic spectroscopy
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
Undergrad Total spin from atomic spectroscopy term symbols, e.g. neon's excited states
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
563
Graduate Dressed states for a 3 level system
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Help with Atomic Calcium Electron Configurations
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Graduate Helium singlet/triplet state with total spin of 1
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Are These Spectroscopic Notations Physically Possible?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Undergrad In what cases (precisely) are Hund's rules valid?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Undergrad Weakly interacting electrons in an atom
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Electron Configuration from Term Symbols in Lanthanides
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
11K
Undergrad Location of donor atom electrons in N-type Silicon
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K