On the theory of linear absorption line shapes in gases

A detailed theory of the line shape in linear absorption spectroscopy of low-pressure gases is developed. The goal is to take into account all effects that come into play in the determination of Boltzmann's constant from measurements of the Doppler width. We demonstrate that there is no additional broadening from finite transit time across the laser beams. The molecular recoil and the second-order Doppler effect are included in the line shape thanks to a complete quantum treatment. The Mössbauer–Lamb–Dicke narrowing of Doppler lines by collisions is also included and the special cases of Galatry and Nelkin–Ghatak profiles are presented.