Selection rules electrostatic field

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the selection rules for transitions from the ground state of a hydrogen atom, represented as |1 0 0>, when subjected to a weak time-dependent external electric field described by the equation E(t, r) = C e_z / (t² + τ²). The perturbation potential is given by V(t) = C e z / (t² + τ²). Using lowest-order time-dependent perturbation theory, participants aim to identify which final state quantum numbers (n, l, m) are permissible for transitions from the ground state.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, particularly time-dependent perturbation theory.
  • Familiarity with spherical harmonics and their properties.
  • Knowledge of the hydrogen atom's quantum states and their representations.
  • Basic calculus, specifically integration over solid angles.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of spherical harmonics, particularly Y1,0.
  • Study the application of time-dependent perturbation theory in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore the mathematical techniques for integrating spherical harmonics with trigonometric functions.
  • Examine the physical implications of selection rules in quantum transitions.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those studying atomic transitions and perturbation theory, will benefit from this discussion.

pstq
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Hi all , I need some help with this problem,

Homework Statement



A hydrogen atom, which is in its ground state |1 0 0 > , is put into a weak time-dependent external electric field, which points into the z direction:
\boldsymbol{E}(t,\boldsymbol{r}) = \frac{C\hat{\text{e}}_{z}}{t^{2}+\tau ^{2}}, where C and \tau > 0 and e are constants. This gives rise to a perturbation potential V(t) = C\frac{e\hat{z}}{t^{2}+\tau^{2}}.
Using lowest-order time-dependent perturbation theory, find the selection rules for transitions from the ground state, i.e. find out which final state values for the quantum numbers n, l and m are possible in transitions from the ground state.


Homework Equations



P_{fi}(t,t_{0})\equiv |\langle\phi_{f}|\psi(t)\rangle|^{2}\approx \frac{1}{\hbar^{2}}\left|\int_{t_{0}}^{t}\text{d}t _{1}\langle\phi_{f}|V_{S}(t_{1})|\phi_{i}\rangle \text{e}^{\text{i}(E_{f}-E_{i})t_{1}/\hbar}\right|^{2}.

The Attempt at a Solution



First, I have to see the values of m for which the sandwich vanish i.e. < n l m| \hat{z} | 1 0 0 > =0

< n l m| \hat{z} | 1 0 0 > = I (radial ) χ \int Y^*_{l,m} Cos [\theta]d \Omega Y_{0,0}

The radial part is always non zero,

Therefore , i have to compute
\int d \Omega Y^*_{l,m} \cos (\theta) Y_{0,0} = But I don't know what I can use, to compute the terms \cos (\theta) X spherical harmonics
thanks for your help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hint: Look up Y1,0.
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K