Selvabsorpsjon

Selvabsorpsjon refers to the phenomenon where a material absorbs electromagnetic radiation that it itself has emitted. This typically occurs in systems where the emitted radiation has a wavelength that can be reabsorbed by the same or similar species within the material. For instance, in certain plasmas or gases, atoms or molecules can emit photons, but if these photons encounter other atoms or molecules of the same type, they can be absorbed, leading to excitation. This process is important in astrophysics, particularly in the study of stellar atmospheres, where the emission and absorption of light by stellar material influence the observed spectrum. It also plays a role in spectroscopy and other fields dealing with the interaction of radiation and matter. In essence, selvabsorpsjon is a form of self-quenching or reabsorption within a radiating medium. The extent of selvabsorpsjon depends on factors such as the density of the radiating species, the temperature, and the path length of the emitted radiation within the medium. Higher densities and longer path lengths generally lead to increased selvabsorpsjon. Understanding selvabsorpsjon is crucial for accurately interpreting spectroscopic data and for modeling the behavior of emitting and absorbing systems. It can limit the escape of radiation from the interior of a star and affect the observed brightness and spectral lines.