Photoelectric efficiency and subatomic (ie electron or hole) momentum

[jkb_ll]

Homework Statement

The efficiency of electron excitement by photons is described as being related to how much different orbitals share the same k-space or momentum space. Is this similar to orbital shape (eg spheres, dumbells, ec)?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I have seen the equation for electron or hole momentum in different materials, but is difficult to interpret. Any answers would be v. much appreciated.

Many thanks.
JB.

 

[Bacat]

So interactions between photons and electrons are just transfers of energy which conserve angular momentum. Have you studied any quantum mechanics?

Conservation of angular momentum follows from the isotropic nature of space. Since the rotation of the particle does not change the angular momentum of the particle, angular momentum must be conserved.

Orbital shape has to do with potentials (usually nuclear potentials, such as the spherical harmonics, coupled with electron-electron interaction correction terms). Conservation of angular momentum is important here as well.

One qualitative way to think about this might be to consider how a photon tracing a particular trajectory might interact with a series of electrons in different atomic orbitals. Would some orbitals offer a higher probability of interacting with the photon due to their shape or energy? Why or why not?

 

[Blueshift5]

Hello JB,

Thank you for your question. The concept of photoelectric efficiency and subatomic momentum is an important topic in the field of quantum mechanics. In short, the photoelectric efficiency refers to the ability of a material to convert light energy into electrical energy. This conversion process is dependent on the momentum of the electrons or holes within the material.

In terms of orbital shape, the momentum of an electron or hole can be described by its wavefunction, which is a mathematical representation of the probability of finding the particle in a certain location and with a certain momentum. The shape of the orbital, such as spheres or dumbbells, can affect the probability of finding the particle at a certain location and therefore can impact its momentum.

In terms of k-space or momentum space, this refers to the representation of momentum in a three-dimensional space. Different orbitals can have different shapes in k-space, which can affect the efficiency of electron excitement by photons. For example, if an orbital has a larger overlap in k-space with a photon, it may have a higher efficiency for electron excitement compared to an orbital with a smaller overlap.

I hope this helps clarify the relationship between photoelectric efficiency and subatomic momentum. If you have any further questions, please let me know. Best of luck with your studies!