Homogeneous broadening

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If an optical emitter (e.g. an atom) shows homogeneous broadening, its linewidth is its natural linewidth (see spectral linewidth). In contrast, an inhomogeneously broadened emitter has a broader linewidth than the natural.

[edit] Broadening in laser systems

Broadening in laser physics is a physical phenomenon that effects the lineshape of the laser emission profile. For instance, energy levels in an atomic system are of a finite width due to this effect.

Homogeneous broadening occurs when all the atoms interact in the same way to the frequency range contained in the lineshape. In other words, a single atom in the system can interact with the entire frequency spectrum and produce stimulated emission or absorption. Several examples of homogeneous broadening are natural or lifetime broadening and collisional or pressure broadening.