The energy spectra of idealized atoms (isolated, at rest and temperature ) are constituted by a set of very narrow lines. However, in the real world one verifies that each of these lines are enlarged by the action of various types of external influences. A simplified discussion is presented about their mechanisms and how each type of them acts isolated upon a thin spectral line. The case of two or more types of these mechanisms acting conjunctly is also considered. Line narrowing techniques for relevant applications are mentioned, including others using the control of the widths and the shapes of a laser line.
Keywords:
line broadening; line narrowing; laser line
