fine structure

[ fahyn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Physics.

a group of lines that are observed in the spectra of certain elements, as hydrogen, and that are caused by various couplings of the azimuthal quantum number and the angular momentum quantum number.

fine structure

noun

the splitting of a spectral line into two or more closely spaced components as a result of interaction between the spin and orbital angular momenta of the atomic electrons Compare hyperfine structure

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Word History and Origins

Origin of fine structure¹

First recorded in 1915–20

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Despite this coverage of sensors measuring the magnetic field, "diagnosing the detailed fine structure is a nightmare," Mann said, since the magnetic effects from smaller scale structures can magnetically cancel on the ground.

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The method, she says, can preserve “the fine structure of very, very small parts of cells” better than the chemical fixatives normally used in microscopy.

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Much to the team's surprise, Webb's view of the PAH emission highlights the galactic wind's fine structure -- an aspect previously unknown.

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This preserves their hydration and fine structure and thus their native state.

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The extra pressure on the dark matter from the quantum effect also inhibits fine structures in dark matter, resulting in a fuzzy appearance.

From

finestra fine-tooth comb

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