Does the photoelectric effect influence the material properties of metals?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the influence of the photoelectric effect on the material properties of metals, specifically examining aspects such as resistivity, stress/strain, and other characteristic changes. The scope includes theoretical considerations and potential applications related to the behavior of metals and semiconductors under the influence of electron emission.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how the photoelectric effect might influence material properties like resistivity and stress/strain in metals.
  • Another participant argues that the photoelectric effect has almost no effect on metals, suggesting that the connection between conducting electrons and stress/strain is negligible.
  • A different viewpoint notes that semiconductors are affected by the photoelectric effect, leading to decreased resistivity (photoconductivity) and potentially increased ductility.
  • Concerns are raised about whether the photoelectric effect influences material properties at all, with a focus on electron emission and associated vibrations.
  • One participant mentions that while the photoelectric effect does not significantly alter the properties of metals, it may lead to charging effects in less conductive materials, which can affect surface band structure and work function.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the impact of the photoelectric effect on material properties, with some asserting minimal influence on metals while others suggest effects in semiconductors. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the extent of these influences.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for further exploration of the relationship between electron emission and material properties, particularly in different types of materials, but do not resolve the underlying assumptions or dependencies on specific conditions.

Shawnzyoo
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I have been recently studying the photoelectric effect and electron emission from metals. I am curious about how (if at all) this could affect the material properties of the metal, like the resistivity or stress/strain.
 
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There would be almost no effect at all.Take a metal,chose a paralelelipedic shape and compute the approximate numbers of conducting electrons.Then see what is the typical photoelectrc current and try to make an idea about how many of the conduction electrons et pulled out of the metal.

Stress/strain not a chance.They're not really connected to conducting electrons...

Try to read some chapters from P.S.Kireev:"Semiconductor physics"...(Hopefully you americans translated it).

Daniel.
 
Semiconductors, however, are affected: the resistivity goes down (photoconductivity) and the ductility may increase.
 
so doesn't photoelectric effect, affect any of the material properties at all??
electron emission..such vibrations and all.. any other characeristic changes occurring??
 
tarunjot said:
so doesn't photoelectric effect, affect any of the material properties at all??
electron emission..such vibrations and all.. any other characeristic changes occurring??

The process itself doesn't affect the materials property that much, especially on metals. However, if one were to do this on less conducting materials such as semiconductors and even, in some instances, insulators, then one may encounter charging effects. This is where the material is momentarily charged and could not neutralize itself before the next electron emission occurs. This will slightly change the surface band structure and even the work function. However, in terms of structural changes, this is not a factor.

Zz.
 

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