What Are the Effects of Zeeman Shift in Positronium?

  • Thread starter Thread starter QuantumIsHard
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Shift Zeeman
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the Zeeman shift in positronium, specifically addressing the physical mechanisms, Hamiltonian formulation, total spin values, and energy level shifts in the weak-field limit. The magnetic moments of the electron and positron are defined, with the Hamiltonian expressed as H = μ·Bext. The possible total spin values for the ground state of positronium are F = 0 and F = 1, depending on the alignment of the spins. The energy shift is calculated using the g-factor and external magnetic field, with the relevant equations provided for further analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically angular momentum and spin.
  • Familiarity with the Hamiltonian operator in quantum systems.
  • Knowledge of the Zeeman effect and its implications on atomic systems.
  • Ability to apply the g-factor formula and energy shift equations in quantum contexts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and implications of the Zeeman effect in atomic physics.
  • Learn about the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients and their application in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore the concept of hyperfine splitting and its distinction from the Zeeman effect.
  • Investigate the calculation of energy level shifts in external magnetic fields using the g-factor.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those focusing on atomic physics, magnetic interactions, and the behavior of positronium in external fields.

QuantumIsHard
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



The magnetic moment for an electron is \mu<sub>e</sub> = -e/m S<sub>e</sub>.
The magnetic moment for a positron is \mu<sub>e</sub> = +e/m S<sub>e</sub>.
In the ground state, the quantum numbers are n=1 and l=0.

a) What is the physical mechanism for the Zeeman shift?
b) Write the Hamiltonian and identify H<sub>0</sub> and H'.
c) In the weak-field limit, the two spins couple together to make a total spin F. What are the possible values for F in the ground state of positronium?
d) Continuing in the weak field limit, the Hamiltonian needs to be written in terms of the total spin F. Project each of the spins S onto the total spin F and find the value of the Lande g-factor for each value of F.
e) Sketch the energy level shift as a function of applied B for each value of F in the weak field limit.

Homework Equations



g-factor:
g<sub>J</sub> = 1 + {j*(j+1) – l*(l+1) + 3/4}/{2*j*(j+1)}

Energy shift:
E<sub>Z</sub><sup>1</sup> = \mu<sub>B</sub> g<sub>J</sub> B<sub>ext</sub> m<sub>J</sub>

The Attempt at a Solution



a) The motion of the electron and positron will produce a magnetic field experienced by the other. The Zeeman shift will factor in this field.

b) H0 = -\hbar^2/{2m} * ( {\delta^2}/{\delta^2 r1} ) - \hbar^2/{2m} * ( {\delta^2}/{\delta^2 r2} ) and H&#039; = {k*e^2}/{|r1-r2|^2}, with H just being the sum of the two.

c) F=1 when the spins align and F=0 when the spins are opposite.

d) If I knew j and mj, I believe I could do this with a Clebsh-Gordan table.

e) I think I could just use the above equation once I know \mu<sub>B</sub>, g<sub>J</sub>, and, m<sub>J</sub>

I'm nowhere near confident with (a)-(c) and am stuck entirely on (d) and (e). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

This is my first post on this forum, so my apologies for any formatting issues.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You are explaining hyperfine splitting not the Zeeman effect. The Zeeman effect is the effect on the atom's magnetic moment due to an external magnetic field.

For part b, you can write the hamiltonian as H=\mu\cdot B_{ext}. (think about why).
I don't know what you are referring to by H_0 and H'.
 
Last edited:
I have given a reference in post#3 there,which deals with both.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K