Photoelectric effect without photons

In summary: This is the essence of the classical picture. In summary, there is a debate among members of PF about whether the photoelectric effect can be explained without using the concept of photons, which is seen as evidence of the quantized nature of light. Some argue that more advanced experiments are needed for a complete understanding, and a paper by JJ Thorn et al. is suggested for further reading. However, it is noted that while the general phenomenon of photoemission has no classical or semi-classical description, the specific case of the photoelectric effect can be explained semi-classically, using quantized matter and classical light. Additionally, it is clarified that photoionization and photoemission are not the same phenomenon, with the former being applicable to
  • #1
ShayanJ
Insights Author
Gold Member
2,810
604
Recently I've seen claims here on PF(from some highly trusted members), that photoelectric effect can be described without using the photon concept and so can't be a demonstration of the quantized nature of light. This demonstration is only provided by more advanced experiments.
After that, I tried to find a paper that treats photoelectric effect using classical EM but I couldn't.
Can anyone point to such a paper?
Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Please read this JJ Thorn et al. paper and the references therein.

http://people.whitman.edu/~beckmk/QM/grangier/Thorn_ajp.pdf

You also have a misunderstanding here. The photoelectric effect experiment is the simplest and most naive demonstration of a more general photoemission phenomenon. The more advanced and more complex experiments such as multiphoton photoemission, angle-resolved photoemission, etc. all do NOT have a classical or semi classical description as of now.

Zz.
 
  • #3
ZapperZ said:
You also have a misunderstanding here. The photoelectric effect experiment is the simplest and most naive demonstration of a more general photoemission phenomenon. The more advanced and more complex experiments such as multiphoton photoemission, angle-resolved photoemission, etc. all do NOT have a classical or semi classical description as of now.
So photoemission, in the general sense, has no classical or semi-classical description but one of its special cases, the "simplest and most naive" phenomenon considered by Einstein(which was what I meant when I said photoelectric effect because I don't know of a special name for that special case!), can be explained semi-classically i.e. with quantized matter and classical light. Right?
 
  • #4
Yes, a semiclassical model - 'photoionization of a K shell electron': it's textbook material, see for example D. Blokhintsev's <Quantum Mechanics>, section 95, pp. 320 - 327 - Springer, 1964.
 
  • #5
dextercioby said:
Yes, a semiclassical model - 'photoionization of a K shell electron': it's textbook material, see for example D. Blokhintsev's <Quantum Mechanics>, section 95, pp. 320 - 327 - Springer, 1964.

Although, to be accurate, "photoionization" is not the same as "photoemission/photoelectric" effect. The latter is done on solids and involves electronic bands, rather than electron orbitals of isolated atoms/molecules of the former.

Zz.
 
  • #7
Yes, you can describe this as a scattering of electrons on the periodic classical field.
 

Related to Photoelectric effect without photons

What is the photoelectric effect without photons?

The photoelectric effect without photons is a phenomenon in which electrons are emitted from a material without being exposed to photons, which are packets of electromagnetic energy. This effect is often observed at low energies, where the energy of the incident photons is not high enough to cause the emission of electrons.

How is the photoelectric effect without photons explained?

The photoelectric effect without photons is explained by the quantum mechanical concept of tunnelling. This is where electrons can pass through energy barriers that are classically forbidden. In this case, the electrons can escape the material without being exposed to photons due to the tunnelling effect.

What is the significance of the photoelectric effect without photons?

The photoelectric effect without photons has significant implications in understanding the nature of light and matter. It provides evidence for the particle-like behavior of light, as well as the wave-like behavior of matter. It also has practical applications in devices such as solar cells and photomultiplier tubes.

Can the photoelectric effect without photons be observed in everyday life?

No, the photoelectric effect without photons is not observable in everyday life. It is a phenomenon that occurs at a quantum level and requires specific conditions to be observed, such as low energies and specific materials. However, its effects can be seen in various technologies that utilize the principles of the photoelectric effect.

How does the photoelectric effect without photons differ from the traditional photoelectric effect?

The traditional photoelectric effect involves the emission of electrons from a material when it is exposed to photons of sufficient energy. In contrast, the photoelectric effect without photons does not require the material to be exposed to photons; instead, the electrons are emitted due to the tunnelling effect. Additionally, the traditional photoelectric effect is only observed at higher energies, while the photoelectric effect without photons can occur at lower energies.

Similar threads

Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
46
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
842
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
13
Views
699
Replies
5
Views
1K
Back
Top