Advanced Lab - Zeeman Effect:Introduction

1. Introduction

The Zeeman effect, splitting of spectral lines by a magnetic field, is studied with observations of light emitted both transverse to and parallel to the magnetic field. The "normal" Zeeman effect on the Cd red line is measured. This effect can be understood in classical terms. Rough measurements are made for the "anomalous" Zeeman effect on the Hg green line. The anomalous effect, along with fine structure in atomic spectra (observed in the Atomic Structure experiment, provided the experimental basis for the introduction of electron spin by Goudsmit and Uhlenbeck. Transverse and circular polarizations of light emitted in the Zeeman effects are observed.

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1. Introduction

School of Physics at Georgia Tech837 State Street, Atlanta, GA 30332-0430 USA, Phone:(404) 894-5201, Fax:(404) 894-9958

School of Physics at Georgia Tech
837 State Street, Atlanta, GA 30332-0430 USA, Phone:(404) 894-5201, Fax:(404) 894-9958