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Zeeman Effect

In the Zeeman effect, a spectral line is split into several components in the presence of a magnetic field. It works by harmonizing electron configurations in atoms slightly, so that the electrons with different quantum numbers have modified energies. Now instead of several configurations with identical energies, there are different energies instead, creating closely-aligned spectral lines. It allows the examination of several things, including the strength of a distant magnetic field and the spin of electrons.

With an overly-high magnetic field strength, the effect is disturbed, and the Zeeman effect becomes something quite different called a Paschen-Back effect.

In addition to studying electron spin and magnetic fields, the Zeeman effect has been used to stabilize laser frequency and power. Using laser spectroscopy, a great deal of information can be gained about distant stars, including their spin and an idea of what might be around them. The Zeeman effect is also being studied as a method for identifying trace elements in the human body without running a risk of harming the cells.

Web Resources On Zeeman Effect

Encyclopedia Britannica on the Zeeman Effect
What is the Zeeman effect?

Book Resources On Zeeman Effect

Absorption spectra and Zeeman effects of neodymium salts at 4KÌ by Gerhard Heinrich Dieke
The absorption coefficient of atoms in the reverse Zeeman effect with arbitrary direction of magnetic field by Vladimir Evgenevich Stepanov

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