Atomic spectroscopy search for a parity-violating weak interaction between electrons and nuclei

Theoretical analysis is made of the effect expected from a hypothetical weak interaction between electrons and nuclei due to neutral currents. A simple estimate is obtained of the magnitude of the parity-violating effects in heavy atoms and this estimate shows that such effects may be detected by modern spectroscopic methods. The effects which may appear for different types of weak interaction associated with neutral currents are considered. The results are given of detailed calculations for thallium, lead, and bismuth, which are the elements of the greatest experimental interest from the point of view of the expected effects.