Isolated Magnetic Moments: Spin-Orbit Coupling

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Description

This lecture delves into the concept of spin-orbit coupling, explaining its origin in the observation of fine structure in atomic spectra. The instructor discusses how the coupling depends on the product of spin and orbital angular momentum, influenced by the charge of the nucleus. The lecture also explores the differences between LS coupling and JJ coupling, showcasing examples with carbon and lead atoms.

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Angular momentum operator

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Angular momentum coupling

In quantum mechanics, the procedure of constructing eigenstates of total angular momentum out of eigenstates of separate angular momenta is called angular momentum coupling. For instance, the orbit and spin of a single particle can interact through spin–orbit interaction, in which case the complete physical picture must include spin–orbit coupling. Or two charged particles, each with a well-defined angular momentum, may interact by Coulomb forces, in which case coupling of the two one-particle angular momenta to a total angular momentum is a useful step in the solution of the two-particle Schrödinger equation.

Term symbol

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