Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026

07:11
ARL Spectral Fitting as an Application to Augment Spectral Data via Franck-Condon Lineshape Analysis and Color Analysis
Published on: August 19, 2021
Generalized Lorentzian approximations for the Voigt line shape.
Applied Optics
|March 24, 2010
Summary
Researchers developed a simple Padé approximation for the Voigt function. This generalized Lorentzian approximation offers an easier calculation for experiments not needing high precision.
Area of Science:
- Computational physics
- Spectroscopy
- Applied mathematics
Background:
- The Voigt function is crucial in spectroscopy for modeling spectral line shapes.
- Accurate calculation of the Voigt function can be computationally intensive.
- Approximations are needed for practical applications where high precision is not critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a computationally simple and accurate approximation for the Voigt function.
- To utilize the Padé method for approximating the complex Voigt function.
- To provide a viable alternative to the exact Voigt function in specific experimental contexts.
Main Methods:
- Calculation of the multipole approximation to the complex Voigt function.
- Expressing the approximation in terms of the error function and plasma dispersion function.
- Employing the Padé approximant technique.
Main Results:
- A simplified, easy-to-calculate approximation to the Voigt function was derived.
- The approximation is a generalized Lorentzian function.
- The derived approximation demonstrates utility in experimental settings.
Conclusions:
- The Padé approximation provides a practical alternative to the exact Voigt function.
- This method simplifies calculations in experiments where high accuracy is not paramount.
- The generalized Lorentzian approximation is suitable for various spectroscopic applications.
Related Concept Videos
Linear Approximation in Time Domain
Nonlinear systems often require sophisticated approaches for accurate modeling and analysis, with state-space representation being particularly effective. This method is especially useful for systems where variables and parameters vary with time or operating conditions, such as in a simple pendulum or a translational mechanical system with nonlinear springs.
For a simple pendulum with a mass evenly distributed along its length and the center of mass located at half the pendulum's length, the...
For a simple pendulum with a mass evenly distributed along its length and the center of mass located at half the pendulum's length, the...
Linear Approximation in Frequency Domain
Linear systems are characterized by two main properties: superposition and homogeneity. Superposition allows the response to multiple inputs to be the sum of the responses to each individual input. Homogeneity ensures that scaling an input by a scalar results in the response being scaled by the same scalar.
In contrast, nonlinear systems do not inherently possess these properties. However, for small deviations around an operating point, a nonlinear system can often be approximated as linear.
In contrast, nonlinear systems do not inherently possess these properties. However, for small deviations around an operating point, a nonlinear system can often be approximated as linear.
Traveling Waves: Lossless Lines
The provided content explores the behavior of traveling waves on single-phase lossless transmission lines. It begins with a single-phase two-wire lossless transmission line of length Δx, characterized by a loop inductance LH/m and a line-to-line capacitance C F/m. These parameters result in a series inductance LΔx and a shunt capacitance CΔx.
Linear Approximations
For a differentiable function of two variables, linear approximation estimates values near a known point by replacing the curved surface with its tangent plane. Consider the function\begin{equation*}f(x,y)=x^2+3y^2\end{equation*}near the point (2, 1). The exact value at this point is f(2, 1) = 22 + 3(1)2 = 4 + 3 = 7.The linear approximation of f(x, y)) near (a, b) is\begin{equation*}L(x,y)=f(a,b)+f_x(a,b)(x-a)+f_y(a,b)(y-b)\end{equation*}First, compute the partial derivatives: fx(x, y) = 2x and...
Differential Form of Maxwell's Equations
James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879) was one of the significant contributors to physics in the nineteenth century. He is probably best known for having combined existing knowledge of the laws of electricity and the laws of magnetism with his insights to form a complete overarching electromagnetic theory, represented by Maxwell's equations. The four basic laws of electricity and magnetism were discovered experimentally through the work of physicists such as Oersted, Coulomb, Gauss, and Faraday.
Boundary Conditions: Lossless Lines
Consider a single-phase, two-wire, lossless transmission line terminated by an impedance at the receiving end and a source with Thevenin voltage and impedance at the sending end. The line, with length, has a surge impedance and wave velocity determined by the line's inductance and capacitance.
At the receiving end, the boundary condition states that the voltage equals the product of the receiving-end impedance and current. This relationship is expressed as a function of the incident and...
At the receiving end, the boundary condition states that the voltage equals the product of the receiving-end impedance and current. This relationship is expressed as a function of the incident and...

