Trying to find references for polarization effect of Normal Zeeman Effect

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the polarization effects observed in the Normal Zeeman Effect, specifically how σ (sigma) and ∏ (pi) lines acquire their polarizations. Participants seek resources that provide a solid explanation or calculation of these phenomena, as existing references often assume the polarization characteristics as given without detailed justification.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in finding resources that explain the polarization of σ and ∏ lines, noting that many references simply state their polarization types without justification.
  • Another participant mentions that some resources attribute the polarization to conservation of angular momentum, suggesting that for transitions with Δml=1 or -1, photons with spin 1 or -1 are produced, corresponding to left and right circularly polarized light.
  • It is noted that for Δml=0, an equal amount of photons with spin 1 and -1 are produced, leading to linearly polarized light, although this reasoning is described as somewhat hand-wavy.
  • A participant references Fowles' Modern Optics, which provides a brief explanation with illustrations but lacks detailed calculations and does not extend the discussion beyond specific transitions like 1s and 2p in hydrogen.
  • Another participant mentions that Cohen-Tannoudji's QM textbook contains some mathematical explanations but finds it challenging to understand.
  • One participant shares a link to a document that they found somewhat useful but still lacks a clear explanation for why polarization occurs.
  • Several participants express frustration over the scarcity of comprehensive resources on the topic, with some links to potentially useful materials being outdated or inaccessible.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the lack of satisfactory resources that explain the polarization effects in the Normal Zeeman Effect. However, there is no consensus on a definitive explanation or model, and multiple viewpoints regarding the reasoning behind the polarization remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants express limitations in their understanding and the resources available, indicating that existing explanations often lack mathematical rigor or fail to generalize beyond specific cases.

Ashuron
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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.
 
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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.
 

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