Zeeman effect and defining the g_F Factor

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the g_F factor for hyperfine states of a hydrogen atom in an external magnetic field. The formula for the g_F factor is established as g_F = g_J(F(F + 1) + j(j + 1) - I(I + 1))/(2F(F + 1)) + (μ_N/μ_B)g_I(F(F + 1) + I(I + 1) - j(j + 1))/(2F(F + 1)). The Hamiltonian for the system is expressed as H_J = (μ_N/ħ)(L + 2S)·B for g_J and H_J = (μ_B/ħ)(L + 2S)·B - g_I(μ_N/ħ I·B) for g_F. The approach suggested involves treating the external magnetic field as a perturbation to the internal magnetic field of the hydrogen atom.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically angular momentum and perturbation theory.
  • Familiarity with the hydrogen atom's hyperfine structure and magnetic interactions.
  • Knowledge of the g_J and g_F factors in atomic physics.
  • Proficiency in using Hamiltonians to describe quantum systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the g_J factor in detail.
  • Learn about perturbation theory in quantum mechanics, focusing on external magnetic fields.
  • Explore the hyperfine structure of hydrogen and its implications for atomic physics.
  • Investigate the role of the nuclear magnetic moment (μ_N) and Bohr magneton (μ_B) in atomic interactions.
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Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, atomic physics, and anyone studying the effects of magnetic fields on atomic structures, particularly those focusing on the hydrogen atom's hyperfine states.

TFM
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Homework Statement



A hydrogen atom is interacting with an external magnetic field.
1. Derive the equation for the g_F-factor of the hyperfine states.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Okay, so the question asks to define the gF factor, however, I am not quite sure where to start.

I know firstly that it is based on the diagram of the vector arrows, as (crudely drawn) attached:

I also know the answer I need to get (it is mentioned in the notes):

g_F = g_J\frac{F(F + 1) + j(j + 1) - I(I +1)}{2F(F + 1)} + \frac{\mu_N}{\mu_B}g_I \frac{F(F + 1) + I(I + 1) - j(j +1)}{2F(F + 1)}

Also, for the gJ, it starts with:

H_J = \frac{\mu_N}{\hbar}(\hat{L} + 2\vec{S})\cdot \vec{B} = \frac{\mu_N}{\hbar}(\hat{J} + \vec{S})\cdot \vec{B}

and I know for gF, we have:

H_J = \frac{\mu_B}{\hbar}(\hat{L} + 2\vec{S})\cdot \vec{B} - g_I ({\frac{\mu_N}{\hbar} \vec{I}\cdot \vec{B})

Anyone got any suggestions about what I should do first?

TFM
 

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  • gF diag.jpg
    gF diag.jpg
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I suspect the approach would be to treat the external magnetic field as a perturbation to the internal magnetic field of the Hydrogen atom.

In other words, \vec{B} = \vec{B}_{Internal} + \vec{B}_{External}.

Considering \vec{B}_{Internal} first, we can find the orbital angular momentum (l), spin angular momentum (s),ml,ms (or J,m?) eigenstate of the Hamiltonian (possibly after some simplifying assumptions?).

We then apply first order perturbation theory for \vec{B}_{External}.

Since you know the energy, you should be able to get the g factor.

Hopefully, this is the way to go.
 

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