What Is the Difference Between Atoms in High and Low Fields?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of high and low fields in relation to atoms, specifically exploring the differences between these states and the implications of various types of fields, such as electric and magnetic. The scope includes theoretical definitions and implications in the context of electromagnetic radiation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the definition of "high field" and its distinction from "down field."
  • Another participant questions the type of field being referred to, suggesting that multiple definitions of strong fields exist, including comparisons to the Coulomb field from the nucleus and the effects on energy levels.
  • It is proposed that high fields may lead to significant changes in the ionization threshold of atoms.
  • Participants note that the converse of high field is low field, with "strong" and "weak" also being applicable terms.
  • In the context of electromagnetic radiation, high fields may be associated with the importance of multi-photon processes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of what constitutes high and low fields, indicating that multiple competing views remain on the definitions and implications of these terms.

Contextual Notes

Definitions of high and low fields may depend on specific contexts, such as the type of field (electric or magnetic) and the conditions under which they are applied, which remain unresolved in the discussion.

SUN Qian
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I don't quite understand the defination of the high field. What is the difference between atoms in down field and high field? THANKS~
 
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What kind of field? Electric or magnetic? Constant or time varying?

Several definitions of strong fields are possible.

One might be that the strength of the applied field is the same order of magnitude as the Coulomb field from the nucleus.

Another might be that the externally applied field causes energy level mixing from adjacent principal quantum numbers.

Another might be that the ionization threshold of the atom is significantly changed.
 
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SUN Qian said:
down field and high field
By the way, the converse of high field is low field. Strong and weak are also used.

To add to what Dr. Courtney said, in the case of EM radiation, high fields can correspond to cases where multi-photon processes become important.
 
Last edited:
DrClaude said:
Buy the way, the converse of high field is low field. Strong and weak are also used.

To add to what Dr. Courtney said, in the case of EM radiation, high fields can correspond to cases where multi-photon processes become important.

Thanks for correcting my mistake :)
 

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