absorption band

American  

noun

Physics.

1. a dark band in the absorption spectrum of a substance, corresponding to a range of wavelengths for which the substance absorbs more strongly than at adjacent wavelengths.

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Etymology

Origin of absorption band

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

For many applications, a narrow absorption band may be desirable.

From Nature

The spectrum of chlorophyll, the green colouring matter of plants, shows two very strong absorption bands in the red.

From Project Gutenberg

And the study of the absorption bands in the spectrum of the living leaf becomes more intelligible in the light of these conclusions.

From Project Gutenberg

The bodies which exhibit the first kind are those which possess strong absorption bands, of which only one remains appreciable after great dilution.

From Project Gutenberg

Only very thin layers are sufficiently transparent to show the dispersion near or within an absorption band, and a large refracting angle is not required, the dispersion usually being very considerable.

From Project Gutenberg