- #1
Chen
- 977
- 1
Hi,
I am trying to understand exactly how and why the lifetime, or decay rate, of an atomic level determines the spectral width of the transition to this level. Also I would like to understand why the natural lineshape is a Lorentzian. I am familiar with the vague explanations involving Fermi's golden rule and time-energy uncertainty, but I am looking for a more convincing description.
Thanks,
Chen
I am trying to understand exactly how and why the lifetime, or decay rate, of an atomic level determines the spectral width of the transition to this level. Also I would like to understand why the natural lineshape is a Lorentzian. I am familiar with the vague explanations involving Fermi's golden rule and time-energy uncertainty, but I am looking for a more convincing description.
Thanks,
Chen