Hyperfine Structure

Hyperfine structure is a feature of atomic physics. It's like an ultra-detailed look at how an electron orbits an atom's nucleus. Instead of seeing the nucleus as a single, stable point, scientists view it as having its own internal structure which interacts with the electron. This interaction affects the energy levels of the atom, creating a pattern or 'structure' that's more complex ('hyperfine') than a simpler model would predict. It's like discovering a whole new layer of delicate detail in the behavior of atoms.