Relativistic correction for the Zeeman effect in a hydrogen-like atom

Jacob Katriel, K. D. Sen

Reinhold A. Bertlmann, Nicolai Friis

Abstract In this chapter we review time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory in quantum mechanics. We begin with Rayleigh-Schrödinger perturbation theory for small corrections to the Hamiltonian for non-degenerate and degenerate spectra, which leads us to a discussion of avoided crossings. We then apply these methods to calculate the fine-structure corrections for the energy levels of the hydrogen atom, including the relativistic correction to the kinetic energy, the spin-orbit correction, and the Darwin term. We then turn to the effect of weak constant magnetic fields: for the resulting Zeeman effect we distinguish between the anomalous Zeeman effect and the Paschen-Back effect. In the context of the corresponding Stark effect for electric fields we introduce the Wigner-Eckart theorem and calculate perturbations to first and second order. We then turn to time-independent problems and discuss the Born-von Neumann series for the propagator, time-ordered integrals, the interaction picture, before explaining Fermi’s golden rule.

В. В. Скобелев

Roger Boudet

Shivraj Deshmukh

A comprehensive set of lecture and study notes covering fundamental atomic and molecular physics. The text systematically works through the breakdown of the classical Rutherford atom and the Bohr-Sommerfeld model, followed by a full 3D Schrödinger treatment of the hydrogen atom using spherical harmonics and Laguerre polynomials. It details relativistic corrections, spin-orbit coupling, and fine structure via Clebsch-Gordan addition and Kramers' recursion relations. The notes further explore magnetic field interactions (normal and anomalous Zeeman effect, Paschen-Back effect), time-dependent perturbation theory for light-matter transitions, electric dipole selection rules, the 21-cm hyperfine splitting of hydrogen, and two-electron systems (Helium, exchange integrals, and Slater determinants). Includes extensive reference tables and angular momentum formulas.

Wen-Chao Qiang, Shi‐Hai Dong

We show how the radial position–momentum uncertainty product can be obtained analytically for the Dirac hydrogen-like atoms. Some interesting features for this system are found. First, for the same principal quantum number n , as the azimuthal quantum number l increases, the uncertainties Δ p r and Δ r Δ p r decrease. However, the uncertainty Δ r does not always decrease, which is different from the non-relativistic hydrogen-like atoms case, where it always decreases. Second, for the same l both Δ r and Δ r Δ p r increase as n increases. Third, all uncertainties for the same n and l = n − 1 are smallest in comparison with those for the same n but . Fourth, the uncertainty Δ r Δ p r is independent of the value of charge Z in the non-relativistic case, while it is related with the value of charge Z in the relativistic case. Fifth, the relativistic corrections to the non-relativistic values of uncertainties are very small when the values of charge Z are not too big, while the relativistic corrections to them will appear explicitly for a large value of charge Z .