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1 results

  • 3 - Semiclassical Treatment of Light Absorption and Scattering from Atoms

  • Chiao-Yao She, Colorado State University, Jonathan S. Friedman
  • Book:
    Atmospheric Lidar Fundamentals
    Published online:
    24 February 2022
    Print publication:
    03 March 2022, pp 17-49

  • 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.