Use this URL to cite or link to this record in EThOS: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.359253
Title: Measurement of the coherence length of atomic two-photon radiation
Author: Sheikh, Zahoor Ahmad
ISNI:       0000 0001 3401 9613
Awarding Body: University of Stirling
Current Institution: University of Stirling
Date of Award: 1993
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Abstract:
We report a novel method of determining the coherence length of photons produced in the two-photon decay of metastable atomic deuterium by observing the depolarization of the photons in what is essentially a true single-photon interference experiment. In the Stirling source two photons propagating in the ±z directions are detected in coincidence. The degree of polarization of the radiation emerging from a multiwave plate placed on one side of the source as a function of the optical path difference 6 introduced by the multiwave plate between the orthogonally polarized components is determined by measuring the Stokes' parameters. The results confirm the dependence of the depolarizing effect of the multiwave plate on 6, agree with the quantum mechanical predictions and allow a measurement to be made of the coherence length of single photons of the two-photon pair. We also report the results t > f an experiment which, for the first time, demonstrates the action of an achromatic half-wave plate on the polarization state of the two-photon radiation emitted by atomic deuterium in the metastable 2Sv, state The results agree with the quantum mechanical predictions and confirm the hypothesis of Breit and Teller that the fine and hyperfine interaction play no role in the emission process.
Supervisor: Not available Sponsor: Not available
Qualification Name: Thesis (Ph.D.) Qualification Level: Doctoral
EThOS ID: uk.bl.ethos.359253  DOI: Not available
Keywords: Photons ; Nuclear physics
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