Frequency Shifts in the Hyperfine Spectra of Alkalis Caused by Foreign Gases

Abstract

The pressure shift and the temperature coefficient of the pressure shift have been calculated for hyperfine spectra when radiating alkali atoms are perturbed by foreign gases. The method of calculation is based on a suggestion by H. Margenau. Both the pressure shift and the temperature coefficient can be calculated on the basis of potential functions representing intermolecular forces operative when the radiating atom is in the presence of the perturbing atoms. The noble gas atoms have been considered explicitly as perturbing atoms.