Relativity Doppler Shifts et al

In summary, the atom will be deflected into a positron cloud by a laser of wavelength 670nm. The laser beam is 1mm high and 15cm long and has an average power of 1mW. As the atoms absorbs each photon it is deflected in the y-direction by a small smount and hence sees the laser with a difference frequency due to the Doppler Shift. The atom in the excited state has a lifetime of 27ns.
  • #1
stunner5000pt
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A lithium atom with initial velocity of 1000m/s (x hat direction) will be deflected into a positron cloud by a laser of wavelength 670nm. The laser beam is 1mm high and 15cm long and has an average power of 1mW. As the atoms absorbs each pohoton it is deflected in the yhat direction by a small smount and henece sees the laser with a difference frequency due to the Doppler Shift. The atom in the excited state has a lifetime of 27ns.

a) How many photons will be absorbed as the atom passes through the laser beam.

I can certainly find the raidation pressure using [tex] \frac{F}{A} = \frac{I}{c} [/tex] but how do i find hte number of photon absorbed??

b) Find an expression for the classical (1000m/s << c) Doppler Shift of the laser as a function of time during the time the atom is in the laser beam.

I thought there wasnt any trasverse Doppler Shift so what the

c) What is total relaitivistic Doppler Shift at the end of the 15cm laser beam/

First i have to find the amount of deflection (true?) sooo [tex] \Delta p = \frac{\Delta U}{c} [/tex] in this case and here Delta U is the power times the time the atom is in the laser beam that is 0.00015s but this is much more than 27ns so the totoal doppler shift is going to be lesser than it should be and since the speed 1000m/s is much lesser than c then the gamma value is almost 1.

d) In order to achieve the maximum delfection from the natural frequency of the laser must be tuned to compensated for the Doppler Shift. Atr what rate Hz/sec must the laser be tuned. (called Chirping the laser)

Im not quite sure how this should be done. So when the Lithium atom is aexcited it will not absorb that same frequency which excited it. SO the laser's wavelength has to be changed. IS this chriping menas??

e) How does the second order term in the relaitivisitic shift (v/c)^2 compare to the tota;l classical Doppler Shift.
i have no idea here whatsoever

ANy help would be greatly appreciated!
 
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  • #2
a) Presumably since the laser photons are deflecting the Li atom in the y-direction, the laser beam is pointing in the y-direction. You need to figure out how long the Li atom is in the laser beam, and then divide that time by the 27 ns (lifetime of excited state in which it will not absorb at that wavelength) and that will give you the number of photons absorbed.

d) The laser has to be tuned every 27 ns, because that is when the Li atom is ready to absorb another photon. So the period equals one excited lifetime.
 
  • #3
can anyone else help with b) c) and e) then i understand how a) and d0 are done thanks AStro. :smile:
 
  • #4
Can someone please help me with parts b and c and e.
For b i figure taht sinc the lithium atom is pushed but how fast will it be when it gets pushed.

So do i use [tex] \Delta p = \frac{\Delta U}{c} [/tex]

and here delta u is teh energy of the laser?? But it asks for an expression for the Doppler Shift how is taht possible/?



Please Please help with this i have no idea at all..
 

FAQ: Relativity Doppler Shifts et al

1. What is the principle behind the Doppler effect in relativity?

The Doppler effect is a change in frequency or wavelength of a wave due to the relative motion between the source of the wave and the observer. In relativity, this effect occurs due to the relative velocities between the source and observer, which leads to a change in perceived frequency or wavelength of the wave.

2. How does the Doppler effect in relativity differ from the classical Doppler effect?

The classical Doppler effect only takes into account the relative motion between the source and observer in a non-relativistic scenario. In relativity, the Doppler effect also considers the effects of time dilation and length contraction, which can significantly alter the perceived frequency or wavelength of the wave.

3. How does the Doppler effect in relativity affect the perception of light?

In relativity, the Doppler effect can cause a shift in the perceived frequency or color of light. This is known as the relativistic Doppler effect. The shift can either be towards the blue end of the spectrum (blue shift) or the red end of the spectrum (red shift) depending on the relative motion between the source and observer.

4. Can the Doppler effect in relativity be observed in everyday life?

Yes, the Doppler effect in relativity can be observed in everyday life. One example is the red shift observed in the light from distant galaxies. This is caused by the expansion of the universe and the relative motion between Earth and the galaxies. Another example is the blue shift observed in the light from stars in our galaxy due to their orbit around the center of the Milky Way.

5. How is the Doppler effect in relativity used in practical applications?

The Doppler effect in relativity has many practical applications, such as in satellite communication and navigation systems. It is also used in astronomical observations to determine the velocity and distance of celestial objects. In addition, it is used in medical imaging techniques, such as Doppler ultrasound, to measure blood flow and detect abnormalities in the body.

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