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3 - Semiclassical Treatment of Light Absorption and Scattering from Atoms

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 February 2022

Chiao-Yao She  and
Jonathan S. Friedman
Chiao-Yao She
Affiliation:
Colorado State University
Jonathan S. Friedman
Affiliation:
Universidad Ana G. Mendez
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Summary

In Chapter 3, we move to a semiclassical treatment (quantum theory) of light absorption and scattering, specifically from atoms. We start with a description of how lidar measures Doppler shift, and the fundamental difference between the measurement when the laser is in resonance with an atomic transition (resonant) and when it is not (nonresonant). We follow with a treatment of quantum polarizability and the resulting absorption cross section, leading to the differential resonance scattering cross section and its contrast with the classical result. After quantum polarizability, we demonstrate the radiation pattern of coherently excited atoms. This takes us to an interpretation of the Hanle Effect. Following these descriptions of the phenomena that impact resonance lidar, we extend our understanding by closing the chapter with an overview of the rudimentary physics of sodium laser guide stars.

Keywords

backscattering Doppler shiftquantum polarizabilityabsorption cross sectionemission cross sectionresonance cross sectionHanle Effectradiation patternsresonance scattering from real atomslaser guide starsoptical pumping
Type
Chapter
Information
Atmospheric Lidar Fundamentals
Laser Light Scattering from Atoms and Linear Molecules
 , pp. 17 - 49
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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References

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