Photon excitation to full orbitals

In summary: Spectral hole burning is a manifestation of what we are discussing, but it applies only to cases where there is initially absorption.
  • #1
ngc2024
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In introductory physics and chemistry, photon excitation is usually illstrated with a simple hydrogen molecule. I am wondering what happens if an electron is excited to an orbital that is already full. Would the orbital split up into different energy levels as hybridisation, so as not to violate the pauli exlusion principle?
 
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  • #2
You can't excite an electron to a filled orbital.
 
  • #3
So that means that a photon with energy corresponding to the energy difference between, say n=1 and n=2, would not be absorbed if n=3 is filled?
 
  • #4
ngc2024 said:
So that means that a photon with energy corresponding to the energy difference between, say n=1 and n=2, would not be absorbed if n=3 is filled?
These numbers are not quite correct. But say that you have F- in the electronic configuration 1s22s22p6: even if you have photons of energy E2p-E1s, there will be no absorption, while you would have absorption for neutral fluorine.
 
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  • #5
The phenomenon is called Spectral Hole Burning. If the upper absorption level is not full, the material will absorb the light. But you can selectively fill upper levels and make the material transparent to that particular frequency. Here is a reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectral_hole_burning
 
  • #6
Chandra Prayaga said:
The phenomenon is called Spectral Hole Burning.
Just to be clear: while spectral hole burning is a manifestation of what we are discussing, it applies only to cases where there is initially absorption. In the example I mentioned, the orbitals were already filled.
 
  • #7
Thank you both - that is very interesting!
 
  • #8
It has to do with Pauli's exclusion principle. No two electrons can occupy the same quantum state. So you cannot excite an electron to a filled orbital.
Note: Pauli's exclusion principle does not apply only to electrons but to an entire class of particles- fermions.
 
  • #9
DrClaude said:
Just to be clear: while spectral hole burning is a manifestation of what we are discussing, it applies only to cases where there is initially absorption. In the example I mentioned, the orbitals were already filled.
Yes. All that has happened in your case is that you are half way through the process.
 
  • #10
Not to be offtopic, but isn't this more of a general chemistry related question? This is exactly what I learned in my chemistry class.
 

1. What is photon excitation to full orbitals?

Photon excitation to full orbitals refers to the process in which a photon of light is absorbed by an atom or molecule, causing an electron to move from a lower energy level to a higher energy level. This results in the electron occupying a full orbital, which is an energy state defined by the quantum mechanics of the atom or molecule.

2. How does photon excitation to full orbitals occur?

Photon excitation to full orbitals occurs when a photon with the appropriate energy level interacts with an atom or molecule. The photon transfers its energy to an electron in the atom or molecule, causing it to move to a higher energy level and occupy a full orbital.

3. What are the consequences of photon excitation to full orbitals?

The consequences of photon excitation to full orbitals can vary depending on the specific atom or molecule involved. In some cases, the excited electron may quickly return to its original energy level, emitting a photon of light in the process. In other cases, the electron may remain in its excited state for a longer period of time, leading to different chemical or physical properties for the atom or molecule.

4. Can photon excitation to full orbitals be controlled?

Yes, photon excitation to full orbitals can be controlled through the use of specific wavelengths of light. Different atoms and molecules have different energy levels, so by using a specific wavelength of light, the photon can be matched to the appropriate energy level to cause excitation. This can be useful in various fields such as spectroscopy and optoelectronics.

5. What is the importance of studying photon excitation to full orbitals?

Studying photon excitation to full orbitals is important in understanding the behavior of atoms and molecules, as well as the properties of light. It is also crucial in various scientific fields such as chemistry, physics, and materials science, as it allows for the manipulation and control of atomic and molecular energy levels. Furthermore, an understanding of this process is essential in developing technologies such as lasers and solar cells.

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