The time dependence of quantum-state amplitudes is calculated and experimentally demonstrated for the spin states of the rubidium atom. The mechanism of optical pumping is used to prepare the spin state oriented along the z axis. The magnetic field is then quickly switched from the z to the x direction and the light transmitted through the rubidium vapor is used as a probe to measure the probability that the atoms are in the various quantum states with respect to the z axis. The time dependence of absorbed light is calculated, first for the simplified case of spin , then for spin 1, and finally for spin 2, which is the value observed in the experiment.
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© 1968 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1968
American Association of Physics Teachers
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