On the combined Doppler and pressure broadening of nonresonant spectral lines

Abstract

An explicit spectral function for nonresonant transitions has been derived that includes pressure broadening, Doppler broadening, and diffusional narrowing. This has been accomplished through a kinetic-equation approach. The kinetic equation has been resolved by using an extension of the Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook collision model to inelastic collisions, characterized by two collision frequencies: one associated with elastic collisions and the other associated with inelastic ones. The high- and low-density limits have been discussed, and the standard formula for Debye relaxation has been reproduced. Finally, a discussion concerning the above aspects and their possible extensions has been included as well.