Heating of elements with laser light

In summary, the conversation discusses the absorption of heat from a blue laser by iron and how it relates to the material's valence electrons and lattice structure. It is explained that in gaseous form, iron would absorb narrow bands of light, but in a solid material, the presence of other atoms can spread the absorption lines into bands. This shows the difference in behavior between condensed matter and low density gases.
  • #1
philip porhammer
20
2
One of the emission lines of iron is 404nm, would iron absorb the heat from a blue laser and not copper?
Not a student, just an old curious guy.
Thanks,
Philip
 
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  • #2
The iron would probably need to be in gaseous form or you wouldn’t get narrow band absorption.
 
  • #3
so, the valance electrons in a lattice of Iron would change the frequency or bandwidth of an absorption line?
 
  • #4
A solid material placed in the hot sun gets warmer than if it is placed in the shade. That has nothing to do with valence electrons. The same applies for laser light.

There are many mechanisms for light to be absorbed, scattered, or reflected by materials. Not all of them are associated with an electron in an atom jumping energy states.
 
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  • #5
ok thanks
 
  • #6
philip porhammer said:
so, the valance electrons in a lattice of Iron would change the frequency or bandwidth of an absorption line?
An isolated atom will have a line structure but, in the close presence of other atoms, the Pauli Exclusion Principle tells us that no two atoms can have the same quantum numbers. The presence of the other atoms (sufficiently close) will spread the lines into bands.
Condensed matter has very different behaviour from low density gases.
 
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  • #7
thanks,
P
 
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Related to Heating of elements with laser light

1. How does laser light heat up elements?

Laser light heats up elements through a process called photothermal heating. When laser light is focused on an element, the energy from the light is absorbed by the atoms and molecules in the element, causing them to vibrate and generate heat.

2. Can any element be heated with laser light?

Yes, laser light can heat up any element as long as it is able to absorb the specific wavelength of light being used. Different elements have different absorption properties, so the appropriate laser wavelength must be chosen for effective heating.

3. What are the advantages of using laser light for heating elements?

Using laser light for heating elements offers several advantages over traditional heating methods. It allows for precise and localized heating, reduces the risk of damage to surrounding materials, and can be controlled easily with high accuracy.

4. Are there any safety concerns when using laser light for heating elements?

Yes, there are safety concerns when using laser light for heating elements. Laser light can be hazardous to the eyes and skin, so proper safety precautions must be taken when working with it. Additionally, some elements may release toxic fumes when heated, so proper ventilation is also important.

5. What are some common applications of heating elements with laser light?

Laser light is commonly used for heating elements in various industrial processes, such as welding, cutting, and annealing. It is also used in scientific research for precise temperature control in experiments and in medical procedures for targeted tissue ablation.

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