- #1
Niles
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Homework Statement
Hi
I have a question - it is not homework, but something I have thought about for a long time. I really can't come up with a solution to the problem, and it is driving me crazy. Here is the problem:
Say I have a linearly polarized monochromatic wave incident on an atom. The k-vector and the E-vector of the light form a right angle. Now say I apply a magnetic field, but such that it is perpendicular to both k and E. My problem is that I don't know what transition will be driven in the atom.
The B-field defines the quantization axis. But somehow I need to decompose the E-field such that it points along B. What is the strategy for doing this?
I would be very happy to get some feedback/hints.
Niles.