Quantum mechanical theory of the emission spectrum of Mössbauer sources submitted to self-absorption: An exact result for source line broadening

When a Mössbauer source is prepared using ion implantation, diffusion or any other method, it could be that some resonant ground-state nuclei, as well as the desired resonant-source nuclei, are present in the source. This will lead to source line broadening. Using the coherent-path, quantum mechanical model, for the first time the exact analytical emission line shape from a source containing resonant ground-state nuclei is calculated as a function of the concentration of these resonant ground-state nuclei. For high concentrations the source emission line shape shows the “hole burning” line shape.