On Space Quantization in Time Varying Magnetic Fields

Abstract

The transitions between states of different space quantization which take place when an atom is passed through a weak inhomogeneous magnetic field are calculated by approximate methods taking into account the coupling between the nucleus and the orbital electrons. Two types of field are considered, namely, the field introduced by Majorana and the one introduced by Güttinger. For the Majorana field a discussion of the cases $I$ arbitrary $J=\frac{1}{2}$, $J$ arbitrary $I=\frac{1}{2}$, and $I$ and $J$ arbitrary with explicit application to the nitrogen atom is given. For the Güttinger field the general equations are set up for a field of any strength and are then applied to the case $I=J=\frac{1}{2}$.