Spin-orbit interaction (or “coupling”)

This interaction is weaker than the Coulomb interaction and is responsible for the fine-structure of atomic lines.

How do we understand the spin-orbit interaction?

• The electron has a spin s, as well as orbital angular momentum l.

• For each angular momentum, there is an associated magnetic moment,  µl and µ s 

 • Spin-orbit = interaction between and Let’s start with the definition of magnetic moment….

To download the lecture click on the link below:

http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~dc43/PH4021/Lectures%2011-13%20SPIN-ORBIT%20INTERACTION.pdf