Trying to find references for polarization effect of Normal Zeeman Effect

Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around the search for resources explaining the polarization of σ and ∏ lines in the Normal Zeeman Effect. Participants note that while many references state that σ lines exhibit circular polarization and ∏ lines exhibit linear polarization, they often lack detailed calculations or explanations. The conservation of angular momentum is mentioned as a reasoning behind the polarization, but it is criticized for being vague. Textbooks like Fowles' Modern Optics are referenced for their limited explanations, and Cohen-Tannoudji's quantum mechanics textbook is noted for its mathematical approach, though it remains complex. Overall, there is a consensus on the difficulty of finding comprehensive and clear resources on this topic.
Ashuron
Messages
141
Reaction score
0
Hi,

I am trying to find a resource that can explain how σ and ∏ lines obtain their polarizations.
I have not found resource that actually show the calculation or solid explanation that show this.The references are usually state that σ and ∏ have circular polarization and linear polarization respectively. But they did not explain why, assume that it is a given fact.

Some resources in the internet seems to explain this by conservation of angular momentum J. Since in Normal Zeeman Effect S=0 for both states involved in the transition, L is conserved. So, the resources reasoned that for Δml=1,-1 , a photon with spin 1 or -1 will be produced. They correspond to left and right circularly polarized light. For Δml=o, they state that there will be equal amount of photon with spin 1 and -1. This corresponds to a linearly polarized light. It seems a lot of hand waving argument.

I have checked some textbooks like Fowles' Modern Optics. It has 2 pages explanation with pictures. It interpret the transition as an oscillating dipole. The example discussed 1s and 2p transitions of Hydrogen atoms. The book do not give any calculation. I also prefer to have an explanation how to apply the explanation for different orbitals, not only 1s and 2p transitions.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi, I had a similar problem finding references for this previously. I don't think I ever found an explanation for it other than the hand wavey stuff. I'll have a look back at my report and let you know if I find anything.
 
Actually the QM textbook by cohen tannoudji has some mathematical explanation.
But it's a bit beyond me.
 
I think this was the most useful thing I found, but I still don't really get it. It doesn't actually explain why the polarisation happens either.
www.unc.edu/~mgood/research/Zeeman_Effect.doc

It looks like all my other web links have expired or moved, other than this one. I think I gave up at this point!
http://www.tcd.ie/Physics/people/Peter.Gallagher/lectures/js_atomic/JS_atomic_lecture12.ppt
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thx a lot.
 
Time reversal invariant Hamiltonians must satisfy ##[H,\Theta]=0## where ##\Theta## is time reversal operator. However, in some texts (for example see Many-body Quantum Theory in Condensed Matter Physics an introduction, HENRIK BRUUS and KARSTEN FLENSBERG, Corrected version: 14 January 2016, section 7.1.4) the time reversal invariant condition is introduced as ##H=H^*##. How these two conditions are identical?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
476