Abstract
In local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) the intensities of emitted and absorbed radiation are not independent but are related by Kirchhoff’s law (1.14). This applies to both continuous radiation and line radiation. The Einstein coefficients give a convenient means to describe the interaction of radiation with matter by the emission and absorption of photons.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Chapter 11
Crovisier, J. (1978): Astron. Astrophys.70, 43
Einstein, A. (1916): Verh. Dtsch. Phys. Ges.18, 318
Spitzer, L. (1978): Physical Processes in the Interstellar Medium (Wiley, New York)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2004 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Rohlfs, K., Wilson, T.L. (2004). Spectral Line Fundamentals. In: Tools of Radio Astronomy. Astronomy and Astrophysics Library. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-05394-2_11
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-05394-2_11
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-40387-6
Online ISBN: 978-3-662-05394-2
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive