Haken H and Wolf H C: Atomic and quantum physics

(Springer)***
Eisberg R and Resnick R; Quantum physics of atoms,
molecules, solids, nuclei and particles (2nd ed) Wiley**
Softley T P; Atomic spectra (Oxford)**
White H E; Introduction to Atomic Spectra (McGraw-Hill)**
Woodgate G K; Elementary atomic structure (Oxford)**
Herzberg G; Atomic spectra and atomic structure (Dover
Reprint)*

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu

& X-ray absorption, emission, Moseley

Energy level (Grotrian) diagrams

As predicted by Bohr

As predicted by QM

SE prediction of radial functions (left)

and radial distribution functions (right)
1s

1s

2s

2s

3s

3s

2p

2p

3p

3p

3d

3d

From Bransden and Joachain

Comparison of the old (orbital)

quantum theory and the SE

From White

Stern-Gerlach experiment

Total a.m (j) and the vector diagram

H 3d 2D5/2
mj = +5/2
shown

H 3d 2D3/2
mj = -1/2
shown

The H Balmer alpha (H, n=3 2) transition

l=2
J=l+s
j = 2 + = 5/2

(2j + 1) = 6
states
mj = 5/2
3/2
1/2
l=2
J=l+s
j = 2 = 3/2
(2j + 1) = 4
states
mj = 3/2
1/2

For a D-term (L=2) there are 10 states

= (2j+1) = 2(2L+1)

2p 2P3/2
2s 2S1/2

2p 2P1/2

Dirac theory suggestions energy of

transitions marked * (d & e) and + (f & g)
should have the same energy. Measurement
(and QED) show they do not. This is referred
to as the Lamb shift. Thus, there are 7
components to the H (Balmer alpha) line.

The neutral Sodium atom (Z = 11)

Energy level diagram for Sodium

Ground state 1s22s22p63s 2S1/2

Bohr
n=5
n=4
n=3

n=2

Comparison of the quantum-mechanical

with the semi-classical of the neutral
sodium atom. Three of the lowest possible
states (3s, 3p, 3d) for the single valence
electron are shown. Note the size of the
core of closed (n=1 and 2) shells.

Sodium
D-line
589 nm

n=1

Quantum defect ()
for the Alkali metals

Energy level diagram for Sodium showing

fine structure and the emission lines

n=2
3
4
5
6
En ,l

hcR
13.6

hcR

n* 2
1

n ( )

1
n ( ) 2

eV

Effective principal quantum number n*

for the Alkali metals ground states
Sodium D-lines
2P
2
1/2 S1/2
2P
2
3/2 S1/2

X-ray production and emission

K-level refers to n = 1
L-level
n=2
M-level
n=3
etc
Bombard an anode with an energetic electron
beam to produce x-rays. The emission
spectrum is beam energy dependent

K refers to
K
etc

n = 2-1
n = 2-1

L refers to
L
etc

n = 3-2
n=4-2

refers to a
A spectrum consists of a smooth bremsstrahlung
component and characteristic lines.

etc

n =1 transition
n =2 transition

Characteristic x-rays

The spin-orbit interaction results in significant

level splitting (or fine structure) in high
atomic number atoms
Platinum (Z=78), notice the K- etc are split
the vertical energy scale is in keV

65

P
O
N
M
L

M M M
L L L

K K K

4
3
2

n=1

Selection rules
= 1
j = 0, 1

Moseleys Law

En

Z sn 2
hcR
n2

Moseley diagram plots

En ,
hcR

vs. Z

Mass absorption coef.

Apparatus for studying x-ray absorption