What is the metal(s) used in photoelectric experiments?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the types of metals used in photoelectric experiments, the reasons for their selection, and the potential use of non-metals. Participants explore the work function of different metals, historical experiments, and the conditions necessary for photoelectron emission.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that any metal can be used in photoelectric experiments, but the choice depends on the radiation used and the work function of the metal.
  • One participant notes that the work function varies among metals and is typically in the "eV" range.
  • There is a question about the specific metals used by historical figures like Lenard and Millikan, with mention of sodium as one metal used by Millikan.
  • Participants discuss the challenges of using non-metals, highlighting that non-metals have a band-gap that can require higher energy radiation to overcome.
  • One participant emphasizes that while metals are commonly used, non-metals and semiconductors have also been employed in photoemission experiments.
  • There is mention of angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy as a valuable tool for studying the band structure of insulators.
  • Another participant clarifies that X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) can be applied to a wide range of materials, including insulators, but notes that standard photoemission is typically limited to visible range experiments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the use of metals versus non-metals in photoelectric experiments. While some agree on the necessity of metals due to their electron emission properties, others argue that non-metals can also be used under certain conditions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the feasibility and practicality of using non-metals.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various assumptions regarding the work function and the nature of radiation needed for photoelectron emission, as well as the specific conditions under which non-metals might be used. There is also a distinction made between standard photoemission and other techniques like XPS.

Oerg
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My question is simple: What is the metal(s) used in photoelectric experiments?

Textbooks just put a tiny metal foil. Any answer would be appreciated. Thnx.
 
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Any metal...?Depends also on the radiation used,because the work differs from metal to metal,but it's in the "eV" range.

Daniel.
 
dextercioby said:
Any metal...?Depends also on the radiation used,because the work differs from metal to metal,but it's in the "eV" range.

Daniel.

you mean work function, right ?

marlon
 
Left.Chirality is a convention,remember...?:-p

Daniel.
 
you have a strange sense of humour ,dexter

marlon, sinister
 
Hmmm...

What was the metals that Lenard and Millikan used in their experiments?

I know Millikan used sodium, but it was said thathe tried using different metals.

Also, why is it not possible to carry out the experiment with non-metals?
 
Oerg said:
Also, why is it not possible to carry out the experiment with non-metals?
What makes metals 'metallic' is that they give up their electrons easily, (thus making them conductive).
 
Oerg said:
Also, why is it not possible to carry out the experiment with non-metals?
With non-metals, you must also overcome the band-gap which can be several eV wide. So it would take more energetic (higher frequency) radiation...but it is possible.
 
Any metal can be used , but the main need is that the light ray or the wave which is incident should have sufficient frequency so as to overcome the work function of the metal used.
 
  • #10
thnx for your replies, was just wondering why it isn't possible for non-metals to emit photoelectrons since it should be possible.
 
  • #11
Oerg said:
thnx for your replies, was just wondering why it isn't possible for non-metals to emit photoelectrons since it should be possible.
answered in post #8

In fact, to emphasize this, let me add that (angle resolved) photo-electron spectroscopy has proven to be a most valuable experimental probe to study the band structure of insulators like the cuprates and the manganites.
 
Last edited:
  • #12
Oerg said:
thnx for your replies, was just wondering why it isn't possible for non-metals to emit photoelectrons since it should be possible.

Take note that just because metals are typically used in a photoelectric effect experiment doesn't mean non-metals haven't been used. The band structure of semiconductors was verified using photoemission experiments. And there has been even photoemission done on "insulators" (not band insulators though).

Zz.
 
  • #13
ZapperZ said:
And there has been even photoemission done on "insulators" (not band insulators though).

Zz.
I thought XPS has been used on bandgap insulators as well.
 
  • #14
XPS works for basically any element except He, H. Obviously this is because X-rays have a hellofalot of energy. :smile:

Kane
 
  • #15
To add to what I just said, XPS is practically just a photoelectric experiment, because all you're doing is shooting X-rays at a target made of anything and measuring the kinetic energy of the ejected photoelectrons.

Kane
 
  • #16
Gokul43201 said:
I thought XPS has been used on bandgap insulators as well.

You're right. I should have qualified that statement by including the phrase "standard photoemission" to mean only those done within the visible range. UPS have been done on insulators as well, but mainly on Mott insulators.

Zz.
 

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