The static approximation in the interpretation of collision broadening

The validity of the static approximation for analyses of spectral line profiles is considered. The Fourier transform of the profile of an isolated line is compared for representative cases with the unified theory, and it is shown that the simple static approximation can be used effectively to interpret low spectral resolution experiments. This result applies to the entire profile in the limit of high density, but it also applies at low density if the instrumental line width is sufficiently large. Furthermore, in the absence of turning points in the interatomic potential, the unified and static theories produce almost identical line-wing profiles. Easily evaluated criteria are provided to guide application of the straightforward static theory to the interpretation of interatomic potentials.