Level and line broadening for Thomas-Fermi atoms at finite temperature

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Abstract
We present a new approach for estimating line broadening. It relies upon the Thomas-Fermi model at finite temperature and on the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium. This method can predict general features without requiring detailed computations of specific effects, usually encountered in accurate calculations of line broadening. Obviously, no very precise results can be expected from our nonspecific approach, but rather plausible estimates of the general features can be obtained with only modest effort. Results for a Hf plasma are presented and compared with experimental observations.