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Resonance Broadening of the Sodium D-Lines in Absorption

Citation

Watanabe, Kenichi (1940) Resonance Broadening of the Sodium D-Lines in Absorption. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/tzfa-n362. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:02142025-214936682

Abstract

The resonance broadening of the sodium D-lines in absorption was determined by measuring the contour of the line wings directly. The vapor pressures of sodium ranged from 10-3 to 75 mm Hg, with negligible amount of foreign gases. Over nearly the entire range, the half-intensity width varied linearly with the density of the absorbing atoms; i.e. Δν1/2/N = 0.78 x 10-7 sec-1cm3 --the constant being about twice that predicted by Houston, but much less than the experimental result by Hughes and LLoyd. Above 5 mm pressure, the half-intensity width appeared to increase slightly faster than N. Somewhat in contradiction to theory, the relative width, Δν1/2,s/Δν1/2,1' was 1.16. The natural width measured was, within experimental error, consistent with previous values. The inverse square contour for the absorption coefficient was satisfactory up to 5 mm Hg; beyond this pressure an inverse cube contour fitted better. No definite evidence of van der Waal force was observed at high pressures; likewise, no appreciable shifts and asymmetries. MgO windows were used and the temperature determination was made reliable.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:(Physics)
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy
Major Option:Physics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Bowen, Ira Sprague
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:1 January 1940
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:02142025-214936682
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:02142025-214936682
DOI:10.7907/tzfa-n362
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:17004
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Benjamin Perez
Deposited On:21 Feb 2025 22:47
Last Modified:21 Feb 2025 22:47

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