Photon absorption via changing EM field

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of a changing EM field being in-phase or out-of-phase with an incoming photon and how this affects absorption. It is compared to sound waves cancelling each other out. There is also a question about what happens to the energy during this process. It is mentioned that in atomic absorption, there is a gradual process where the atom becomes more likely to be in an excited state, and the photon's frequency remains the same. The Bloch sphere is suggested for a visual representation of this process.
  • #1
Edi
177
1
Does it work like that.. that a changing EM field in-phase (actually, like.. 180 degre (spell?) out-of phase) with the incoming photon would absorb it?

.. when sound waves of 180 degre.. (spell) out of phase with each other would cancel each other out.
The same thing would happen with EM radiation - photons, right? Yes, think i know that.. :)

And if the EM field changing in (out of) phase would absorb it - it wouldn't do it instantly. It would decrease in energy and while it decreases in energy, it would decrease in frequency, right? ..

(edited: and I just thought - if it changes frequency, it is not in-phase anymore...)

Another question while we are at this - where does the energy go in two wave cancellation?
 
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  • #2
Edi said:
And if the EM field changing in (out of) phase would absorb it - it wouldn't do it instantly. It would decrease in energy and while it decreases in energy, it would decrease in frequency, right? ..

In terms of, say, atomic absorption, there is indeed a gradual process, but the intermediate states are not reduced frequency, but rather an increase in the probability to find the atom in an excited state.

An atom that is in the process of getting excited (is in a superposition of ground and excited state) can be seen as radiating a field with the opposite phase as the photon that gets absorbed. During the process, the probability of the atom being in the excited state increases and the probability of having the photon decreases. This conserves the total energy while still allowing te photon to have the same frequency during the process.

If you're interested in a more visual picture of this process I can recommend reading about the Bloch sphere.
 

Related to Photon absorption via changing EM field

What is photon absorption via changing EM field?

Photon absorption via changing EM field is a phenomenon where a photon, which is a particle of light, is absorbed by an atom or molecule when the electric and magnetic fields of the photon interact with the electric and magnetic fields of the atom or molecule.

How does photon absorption via changing EM field occur?

Photon absorption via changing EM field occurs when the photon's electric and magnetic fields are in resonance with the electric and magnetic fields of the atom or molecule. This causes the photon to transfer its energy to the atom or molecule, resulting in absorption of the photon.

What is the significance of photon absorption via changing EM field?

Photon absorption via changing EM field is crucial for many processes in nature, such as photosynthesis, vision, and the functioning of solar cells. It also plays a role in various technologies, including lasers, optical communications, and medical imaging.

Can photon absorption via changing EM field be controlled?

Yes, photon absorption via changing EM field can be controlled by manipulating the electric and magnetic fields of the photon or the atom/molecule. This can be achieved through various techniques such as changing the intensity or frequency of the light, or using materials with specific properties to alter the fields.

What are some potential applications of photon absorption via changing EM field?

Photon absorption via changing EM field has a wide range of potential applications, including in renewable energy technologies, telecommunications, and medical diagnostics. It is also being studied for its potential use in quantum computing and other advanced technologies.

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