Why electron absorbs photon costs FINITE time?

In summary, the absorption of a photon by an electron or phonon is not instantaneous and takes a finite amount of time. This is because nothing in the universe happens instantly and there are natural limits on the speed of interactions. The absorption time can be calculated using equations involving Planck's constant and the energy or frequency of the photon.
  • #1
luxiaolei
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0
Hi,all, why electron absorb photon costs FINITE time? Not only for electron, when phonon
interact with photon(absorbs it) also costs finite time.

As I think, it should be instant, can not find any reason for finite time. Helps!

Thanks In advance!
 
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  • #2
luxiaolei said:
As I think, it should be instant, can not find any reason for finite time.
Nothing in the universe is instant, everything takes a finite time.
Not very long - but still finite

Things happening instantly leads to infinite energies or faster-than-light causality problems
 
  • #3
An electron absorbing a photon and moving up from a stable bound atomic state (e.g., hydrogen 1s state) to a higher unstable bound state (e.g., 2p state) requires an absorption time

1) Δt ΔE ≈ h-bar/2

where ΔE is the natural width of the 2p state.

Divide both sides by h-bar and get (using Ephoton = h-bar ω)

2) Δt Δω ≈ 1/2 for electrical circuits..

Derive Eqn 2 first for electrical circuits (doesn't require quantum mechanics), then multiply both sides by h-bar to get Eqn 1.

Bob S
 

1. Why does an electron absorb a photon?

Electrons absorb photons because photons carry energy, and when they interact with an electron, they transfer their energy to the electron. This energy absorption can cause the electron to move to a higher energy state or even be ejected from the atom.

2. How does an electron absorb a photon?

When a photon interacts with an electron, it is either absorbed or scattered. Absorption occurs when the energy of the photon matches the energy needed to move the electron to a higher energy state. The electron then absorbs the photon, increasing its energy and changing its behavior.

3. Why does the absorption of a photon by an electron take finite time?

The absorption of a photon by an electron takes a finite amount of time because there are physical processes involved in the interaction. These processes include the transition of the electron to a higher energy state, the transfer of energy from the photon to the electron, and the subsequent changes in the behavior of the electron.

4. Can an electron absorb a photon instantaneously?

No, an electron cannot absorb a photon instantaneously. Even though the absorption process may be very fast, it still takes a finite amount of time. This is due to the physical processes involved, as well as the fact that the speed of light is finite.

5. Does the time it takes for an electron to absorb a photon depend on the energy of the photon?

Yes, the time it takes for an electron to absorb a photon can depend on the energy of the photon. Higher energy photons have a shorter wavelength, which means they have a higher frequency and carry more energy. This can lead to a faster absorption process compared to lower energy photons. However, the exact time it takes for an electron to absorb a photon also depends on other factors, such as the properties of the material the electron is in.

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