Fano resonance

In physics, a Fano resonance is a type of resonant scattering phenomenon that gives rise to an asymmetric line-shape. Interference between a background and a resonant scattering process produces the asymmetric line-shape. It is named after Italian-American physicist Ugo Fano, who in 1961 gave a theoretical explanation for the scattering line-shape of inelastic scattering of electrons from helium; however, Ettore Majorana was the first to discover this phenomenon. Fano resonance is a weak coupling effect meaning that the decay rate is so high, that no hybridization occurs. The coupling modifies the resonance properties such as spectral position and width and its line-shape takes on the distinctive asymmetric Fano profile. Because it is a general wave phenomenon, examples can be found across many areas of physics and engineering.