A NEW SERIES FOR APPROXIMATING VOIGT FUNCTIONS

A Voigt function is the convolution of a Gaussian and a Cauchy, or Lor entzian, density. The computation of these functions is required in pr oblems arising in a variety of subjects such as nuclear reactors, atmo spheric transmittance, and spectroscopy. This letter presents a new se ries for the approximate computation of Voigt functions. The derivatio n is accomplished using straightforward Fourier techniques, and it yie lds computable error bounds between the approximation and the Voigt fu nction. The approach also permits a simple derivation of an asymptotic expansion for large argument values.