The Matrix Method of Linear Dichroism

Author

Kenna Collums, University of Mississippi. Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College

Date of Award

2014

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Mathematics

First Advisor

Sandra Spiroff

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

This thesis discusses linear dichroism, and in particular the matrix method behind the spectroscopic technique. Linear dichroism uses the difference in the absorption of light that is parallel to the orientation axis and the absorption of light that is perpendicular to the orientation axis. From this process, the structure and function of molecules can be studied. The matrix method diagonalizes a Hamiltonian matrix with a unitary matrix. This Hamiltonian matrix is constructed from the transition energies, which are the diagonal elements, and coupling energies, which are off-diagonal elements.

Recommended Citation

Collums, Kenna, "The Matrix Method of Linear Dichroism" (2014). Honors Theses. 545.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/545

Accessibility Status

Searchable text