Time scale of photon absorption in electron

In summary, the time it takes for an electron in an atom to absorb the entire energy of a photon is dependent on the energy level and the Rabi frequency, which is the rate at which the probability of finding the electron in a given state changes. This can be observed in experiments, and the classical Rabi model is a good approximation for this phenomenon.
  • #1
I_wonder
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Does anyone know, when an electron in an atom is exited by absorbing a photon, how long does it take for the electron to absorb the entire energy of the photon? Does the time scale depend on the energy level?

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
It is not that simple, mainly because the only thing we can calculate is the probability to find the electron in a given state. If you drive a two level system (e.g. an atom where the energy of the photons are chosen so that only one transition is active) using e.g. a laser what you find is that this probability changes a rate proportional to the amplitude of the drive field and the dipole moment of the transition(meaning yes, it does depend on the levels); this rate is just the inverse of the Rabi frequency.

see e.g.
http://physics.schooltool.nl/quantumoptics/rabi_jaynesmodel.php [Broken]

Note that the main difference between the "semi-classical" Rabi model and the QED version (using a J-C Hamiltonian) is just the presence of the vacuum Rabi oscillations in the latter; i.e. the semi-classical model with a classical drive field is actually quite good.

I know that this is not what you asked for, but the point is that Rabi rate is the only time-scale we can actually talk about or indeed observe in experiments.
 
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  • #3


The time scale of photon absorption in an electron is dependent on several factors, including the energy level of the electron and the properties of the photon itself. Generally, the higher the energy level of the electron, the faster it will absorb the entire energy of the photon. This is because higher energy levels correspond to shorter transition times between states, allowing the electron to absorb the photon more quickly. Additionally, the properties of the photon, such as its intensity and frequency, can also affect the time scale of absorption. In some cases, the absorption may occur almost instantaneously, while in others it may take longer. Overall, the time scale of photon absorption in an electron is a complex process that is influenced by various factors and cannot be accurately predicted without specific experimental conditions.
 

What is the time scale of photon absorption in electron?

The time scale of photon absorption in electron varies depending on the energy of the photon and the properties of the electron. In general, it can range from nanoseconds to even femtoseconds.

How does the energy of the photon affect the time scale of absorption?

The energy of the photon directly affects the time scale of absorption. Higher energy photons have shorter wavelengths and thus, interact more quickly with the electron, resulting in a faster absorption time.

What factors influence the absorption time of a photon by an electron?

The absorption time of a photon by an electron is influenced by several factors, including the energy of the photon, the properties of the electron (such as its spin and momentum), and the environment in which the interaction takes place.

Is the time scale of photon absorption in electron consistent across all materials?

No, the time scale of photon absorption in electron can vary depending on the material. Each material has different properties and energy levels which can affect the interaction between photons and electrons.

Can the time scale of photon absorption in electron be manipulated?

Yes, the time scale of photon absorption in electron can be manipulated through various techniques such as controlling the energy of the photon, using different materials, or altering the environment in which the interaction takes place.

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