Reduced mass effect on gyromagnetic factor

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the impact of reduced mass on the orbital g factor, specifically referencing Bethe and Salpeter's 1957 work. It highlights the relationship expressed in the equation ##g_L = \frac{\mu}{m_e}##, where ##\mu## is the reduced mass. The example of positronium is utilized to illustrate how the average distance and orbital velocities of the electron and positron affect the g factor, leading to the conclusion that the effective g factor may be influenced by the mass ratio, as indicated by Lamb's equation ##g_L = 1-(1/M)##.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly orbital angular momentum.
  • Familiarity with the concept of reduced mass in two-body systems.
  • Knowledge of the g factor in quantum physics, especially in relation to electron behavior.
  • Basic grasp of positronium and its energy levels compared to hydrogen.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the g factor in quantum mechanics, focusing on Bethe and Salpeter's equations.
  • Explore the implications of reduced mass on atomic systems, particularly in positronium.
  • Investigate Lamb's work in Physical Review 85 2 (1952) for deeper insights on effective g factors.
  • Examine the differences in magnetic field contributions from particles in two-body systems.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers interested in atomic structure and magnetic properties of particles, particularly those studying electron-positron interactions.

Khashishi
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Is there an effect of reduced mass on the orbital g factor? In Bethe and Salpeter (1957) Quantum Mechanics of One and Two Electron Atoms p214, it mentions a reduced mass effect on ##g_L = \frac{\mu}{m_e}##. (At least, that's what my notes said. I don't have Bethe and Salpeter in front of me now.)
But I can't find mention of it anywhere else. Wikipedia says that ##g_L = 1## exactly.

So I tried to sort it out by using positronium as an example. Now, for the case of positronium, the energy levels are about half of hydrogen, so the average distance between the electron and positron is twice the distance between the electron and proton. Basically, they orbit the center of mass at the same distance. The 2p state has ##l=1## and ##L=\sqrt{2}\hbar##. The orbital angular momentum is equally shared between the positron and electron, so the average orbital velocity of each is about half of the orbital velocity of the electron in the hydrogen atom. This means the current from the electron is half, and the magnetic field should be half also. Right? But also, the positron has a current which cancels the electron current, so the orbital g factor should be 0? Did I think that through correctly?
 
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Lamb. Physical Review 85 2 (1952). eqn 153 shows an effective ##g_L = 1-(1/M)## where I guess M is the mass ratio. So it agrees with Bethe and Salpeter. But I'm still bothered by the positronium example.
 

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