The static polarizability of the rubidium ground level is quoted as

PHYSICS · Multi-part · Fermi University Physics · Atomic, Molecular & Optical Physics · Radiative transitions, external fields and collisions · Radiative transitions, external fields and collisions

Reading the Spectrum, Ch Atoms in an electric field: the Stark effect and polarizability

Problem

The static polarizability of the rubidium ground level is quoted as α/4πϵ0=47.4×10−30 m3\alpha/4\pi\epsilon_0 = 47.4\times10^{-30}\,\mathrm{m^3}. A rubidium atom in this level sits in a uniform electric field of E=5.0×106 V m−1E = 5.0\times10^6\,\mathrm{V\,m^{-1}}. ((a)) Express α/4πϵ0\alpha/4\pi\epsilon_0 in units of a03a_0^3, using 1 a03=1.482×10−31 m31\,a_0^3 = 1.482\times10^{-31}\,\mathrm{m^3}. ((b)) Calculate the quadratic Stark shift of the level in J, then convert to eV, cm−1\mathrm{cm^{-1}} and MHz. State whether the level moves up or down and why.

Browse the problem library