Stark Effects in Line Broadening

Abstract

Earlier calculations, based on customary radiation theory, fail to yield a meaningful finite answer for the second-order Stark effect upon line broadening. The reason for this occurrence is found in the assumption that, at some definite time, the radiating atom as well as the perturbing electron is in a precise energy state. When the electron is represented in a suitable way by a wave packet a finite line width results, and this answer agrees within reasonable limits with that of the classical impact theory provided certain enumerated conditions are satisfied.