In atomic physics, the fine structure describes the splitting of the spectral lines of atoms due to electron spin and relativistic corrections to the non-relativistic Schrödinger equation. It was first measured precisely for the hydrogen atom by Albert A. Michelson and Edward W. Morley in 1887,[1][2] laying the basis for the theoretical treatment by Arnold Sommerfeld, introducing the fine-structure constant.[3]
- ^ A.A. Michelson; E. W. Morley (1887). "On a method of making the wave-length of sodium light the actual practical standard of length". American Journal of Science. 34: 427.
- ^ A.A. Michelson; E. W. Morley (1887). "On a method of making the wave-length of sodium light the actual practical standard of length". Philosophical Magazine. 24: 463.
- ^ A.Sommerfeld (July 1940). "Zur Feinstruktur der Wasserstofflinien. Geschichte und gegenwärtiger Stand der Theorie". Naturwissenschaften (in German). 28 (27): 417–423. doi:10.1007/BF01490583. S2CID 45670149.