pressure broadening

pressure broadening

Broadening of spectral lines as a result of high density, and hence pressure, of the emitting or absorbing material: the greater the density and pressure, the greater the width of the spectral lines. The broadening is caused by collisions with other atoms while the atom is emitting or absorbing radiation. See also line broadening.

pressure broadening

[′presh·ər ‚brȯd·ən·iŋ] (spectroscopy) A spreading of spectral lines when pressure is increased, due to an increase in collision broadening.