SPIN-ORBIT-COUPLING IN SEMICLASSICAL APPROXIMATION

The spin-orbit coupling in a deformed system is studied by approximating the Schrödinger equation semiclassically. The discrete character of spin is preserved and WKB techniques are used for the coupled two-component wave equations. Thus, contrary to other approaches, spin is not treated similar to a classical angular momentum. Information about the periodic orbits is extracted from Fourier transform of the quantum mechanical spectra and compared to classical calculations. Planar motion exhibiting mode conversion and non-planar motion, for which Berry′s phase is important, are investigated. For planar orbits, the semiclassical method is successfully corrected for mode conversion. © 1993 Academic Press, Inc.