What happens when two EM waves collide on matter?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the interaction of two electromagnetic (EM) waves of the same frequency when they collide on an electron or atom. It explores whether the energy from these waves can combine through superposition to become ionizing, particularly if both waves are just below ultraviolet (UV) light. Participants note that while two high-frequency waves can impart energy, they do not add up to create ionization unless a significant number of photons are involved, such as in high-intensity laser applications. The conversation also touches on the complexities of dipole moments and whether they are influenced by the electric or magnetic components of EM waves. Overall, the consensus suggests that while interactions are possible, achieving ionization through random wave collisions is highly unlikely.
toneboy1
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I was wondering, if two EM waves of the same freq could add via superposition ON THE SAME ELECTRON or atom (at the same time) to become ionizing? For argument's sake say if each wave was just below UV

I remember E = hf, which would indicate no, I don't see how the energy would not add (thinking of mechanical waves).

THANKS!
 
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Astronuc said:

That is a fantastic resource, but I'll be honest, a lot of it I couldn't follow through completely.
In layman's terms. From what I could gather, they do both impart energy on a (for instance) electron but not equal to the sum of both?
So two high frequency waves could not add to become Ionising (??)

Thanks!
 
With high-intensity lasers, it is possible to do this - something like up to ~20 photons can be used to ionize a particle. Unfortunately, I do not remember the speaker of the talk where I heard about that, so I cannot give you a reference here. However, two-photon microscopy uses the same idea with 2 photons.
 
mfb said:
With high-intensity lasers, it is possible to do this - something like up to ~20 photons can be used to ionize a particle. Unfortunately, I do not remember the speaker of the talk where I heard about that, so I cannot give you a reference here. However, two-photon microscopy uses the same idea with 2 photons.

Interesting article. I had in mind two random EM waves coming together by chance but I suppose that would almost be impossibly unlikely. Moreover as to become ionising you would need like "20 photons".

By chance, do you happen to know if things like dipole moments are caused by the B part of an EM wave, or just the E half (portion) of the wave?
 
Two photons from different beams would be possible, too, just more difficult to achieve.

By chance, do you happen to know if things like dipole moments are caused by the B part of an EM wave, or just the E half (portion) of the wave?
Induced electric dipole moments? Induced magnetic dipole moments? ;)
 
mfb said:
Two photons from different beams would be possible, too, just more difficult to achieve.


Induced electric dipole moments? Induced magnetic dipole moments? ;)

Quite so.
 
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