Emission or Absorption of a Photon - Dipole Needed?

In summary, emission of a photon is the release of energy by an atom or molecule in the form of a photon, while absorption is the process of absorbing energy from a photon. A dipole, which is a molecule with a separation of positive and negative charges, plays a role in enhancing or hindering the emission or absorption of a photon. Any atom or molecule can emit or absorb a photon, but the efficiency of the process depends on various factors. The emission or absorption of a photon is directly related to the movement of electrons in an atom or molecule. Additionally, the process can be controlled by manipulating factors such as energy levels and dipole strength, which is important in applications like lasers and light-emitting diodes.
  • #1
Buckeye
165
2
If photons are emitted or absorbed when a pair or a collection of particles, that are or behave as dipoles, undergo oscillation by some driving force, are there any systems that do NOT use a single or collective dipole oscillation to emit or absorb a photon?
 
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  • #2
no charge moving no photon as it seems to me.
 
  • #3
All multipoles (other than monopole), quadrupole, octopole, etc.
can emit and absorb photons.
 

1. What is the difference between emission and absorption of a photon?

Emission of a photon refers to the process where an atom or molecule releases energy in the form of a photon. Absorption of a photon, on the other hand, is when an atom or molecule absorbs energy from a photon, causing an electron to move to a higher energy level.

2. How does a dipole contribute to the emission or absorption of a photon?

A dipole is a molecule with a separation of positive and negative charges. This separation allows the molecule to interact with an external electric field, which can either enhance or hinder the emission or absorption of a photon. The dipole moment of a molecule determines its ability to interact with photons.

3. Can any atom or molecule emit or absorb a photon?

Yes, any atom or molecule can emit or absorb a photon. However, the likelihood and efficiency of the process depend on factors such as the energy levels of the atom or molecule, the strength of the dipole moment, and the energy of the incoming or outgoing photon.

4. How is the emission or absorption of a photon related to the movement of electrons?

The emission or absorption of a photon is directly related to the movement of electrons in an atom or molecule. When an electron jumps from a higher energy level to a lower one, it emits a photon. Conversely, when an electron moves from a lower energy level to a higher one, it absorbs a photon.

5. Can the emission or absorption of a photon be controlled?

Yes, the emission or absorption of a photon can be controlled by manipulating the factors that affect the process, such as the energy levels of the atom or molecule, the strength of the dipole moment, and the energy of the incoming or outgoing photon. This control is essential in various applications, such as in lasers and light-emitting diodes.

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