On the validity of the model microfield method as applied to Stark broadening of neutral lines

Abstract
Certain features of the interactions between atoms and fluctuating microfields are discussed, emphasizing those statistical properties of the microfield which play an important role in Stark broadening. A model microfield is constructed incorporating the most relevant features, and it is shown that the model microfield theory constitutes a completely unified treatment and is a powerful tool for testing certain standard approximations.