subleveln.
/ˈsʌblɛvl/, U.S. /ˈsəbˌlɛv(ə)l/ Physics.
Each of a group of energy levels of an atom or other quantized system which coincide under a coarse approximation or when some influence (such as a magnetic field) is removed. Cf. level n. 3e.See also fine structure n. 2, hyperfine structure n. at hyperfine adj.
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sublevel1923
the world > matter > physics > atomic nucleus > [noun] > field of energy > level of
singlet1920
sublevel1923
1923 Proc. Cambr. Philos. Soc. 21 524 The only remaining doubt concerns the exact distribution of the electrons between the two sub-levels into which Bohr's main levels, characterized by given values of the quantum numbers n and k, must be supposed to be split.
1971 Sci. Amer. (U.K. ed.) Oct. 91/2 In a nonuniform [electrostatic] field such nuclei will exhibit energy levels that are split into a number of sublevels corresponding to the number of allowed orientations of the nucleus.
2006 R. S. Quimby Photonics & Lasers xviii. 341 In many cases of interest, the upper and lower energy states actually consist of a series of closely spaced sublevels.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2012; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1923